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SAGE Journal User Guide

Behavior Therapy Empowers Persons with Severe Mental Illness

Patrick W. Corrigan

The article asserts that behavioral therapy can increase the independence, capacity to make decisions, and independent living of individuals with severe mental illness.  The article attempts to clarify misconceptions and stereotypes regarding the application of behavioral therapy.

1. What is the definition of “empower” that is being described in this article?
2. What is meant by a token economy?  Can you give an example of a token economy?
3. What are some of the risks that therapists may need to monitor while implementing behavior therapy techniques with persons with severe mental illness?

Behavioral Approaches to the Problems of Obesity

Myles S. Faith, Kevin R. Fontaine, Lawrence J. Cheskin and David B. Allison

Individual and group interventions aimed at problems associated with obesity are approached from a behavioral perspective.  Problems such as weight composition and management, lifestyle factors, a lack of self esteem and assertiveness, and judgment by non-obese individuals are examined.  Throughout the article, obesity is referenced as a multifaceted problem. 

1. What are some of the challenges of sustaining behavioral approaches to the problem of obesity? 
2. What type of program would you design to impact the self-attitude and self-esteem of obese people, from a behavioral perspective?
3. What are some of the ways that behavioral therapy approaches can impact the acceptance of obese people among non-obese people?