What is the Meichenbaum Self-Instruction Training?

Currently, more and more children and adolescents are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as other disorders that lead to difficulties in maintaining the level of care.

One of the most widely used treatments in these cases is Meichenbaum's Self-Instruction Training., also known as cognitive training, and which is aimed at improving the capacity for organization, planning and attention.

In this article we will see what this training consists of, what are its phases, objectives and possible applications.

Meichenbaum Self-Instruction Training: Features

Meichenbaum's Self-Instruction Training was actually developed by two authors: Donald Meichenbaum himself and Goodman, in 1971. This is a technique that is applied especially in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD), but also in other disorders or simply in the presence of certain difficulties.

Normally it is applied to children and adolescents, although adults could also develop the training. The objective of this training is to modify the internal dialogue of the person to facilitate the confrontation of a certain task.

, situation or problem.

Attention as a cognitive ability

The attention is an essential cognitive skill for learning, since it is what makes it possible for us to access knowledge, based on what they explain to us.

Once attention is paid, it is easier for us to receive and understand the information; later, other procedures begin to operate, such as working memory, which allows us to manipulate the information we receive.

In summary, attention is very important for the development of other skills, especially in the early learning stage (and in schooling). That is why it is essential to promote it, and for this the Meichenbaum Self-Instruction Training can be a tool that helps us.

self-instructions

As its name indicates, said training includes a fundamental part or element: self-instructions. But what exactly are they?

Also called self-verbalizations, self-instructions constitute a system that allows us to "talk to ourselves", and which in turn facilitates a series of guidelines that guide us and help us to solve tasks autonomously.

In other words, this system allows internalizing a series of steps typical of a task or behavior, so that in the end it is no longer necessary to say the instructions of the task to be carried out out loud; All this favors the internalization of mental processes.

What is this technique used for?

Specifically, Meichenbaum's Self-Instruction Training is a technique focused on empowering and improve attention, reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, control anger and improve the ability to organization.

In addition, it also makes it possible to treat interpersonal difficulties in some cases.

phases

Meichenbaum's self-instruction training is divided into 5 stages or phases that develop progressively, and where the application of the patient (child or adolescent) increases, while the participation of the therapist or adult decreases until disappear:

1. Modeling

In the first stage of Meichenbaum's Self-Instruction Training, the therapist or adult models by speaking out loud. and performing the behavior that is being worked on (i.e., performing the task in front of the child and at the same time talking to themselves same).

He is saying the steps out loud, as well as the possible doubts that may arise, the possibilities and the strategies used. It would be like “thinking aloud”, and it would imply that he was detailing step by step what he is doing to solve the task or problem.

This behavior or task can be of any type, and may include (or not) a series of steps: for example, preparing the school backpack.

2. Loud external guidance

In the second phase, the therapist or adult speaks (giving the action self-instructions out loud) while the child acts out (i.e. perform the behavior; Continuing with the example, it would be to prepare the backpack).

3. Loud self-instructions

Here the therapist goes into the background, and the process falls on the child or adolescent, who speaks aloud (self-instructions) while acting (he develops the behavior). That is, it is the child who begins to develop the task.

The phrases that the child will say will be the same as those previously said by the therapist. Generally, in the Meichenbaum Self-Instruction Training, and especially in this phase, the child will have to be helped, because it is difficult for him to remember everything exactly and in order.

4. self-instructions in a low voice

In the fourth phase, the child or adolescent speaks in whispers while acting.

5. covert self-instructions

In the last phase of the Meichenbaum Self-Instruction Training, the child or adolescent thinks the instructions (he performs them mentally, internally), at the same time that he executes the behavior.

At the end of this phase, the child will be able to generate guiding thoughts.

conclusions

In the end, the fundamental objectives of Meichenbaum's self-instruction training include the fact that the child or adolescent performs the tasks in an conscientious, mentally organizing what to do at all times (or in certain tasks) and internalizing the relevant mental processes, progressively and step by step.

All this will favor the concentration, organization and planning of the child and will help to reduce the hyperactivity typical of disorders such as ADHD, for example.

Bibliographic references:

• Caballo, V., Simón, M.A. (2002). Child and adolescent clinical psychology manual. Specific disorders. Pyramid: Madrid.

• Government of Aragon. (2018). Self-instruction training. Department of Education, University, Culture and Sports.

• Perez, M.; Fernandez, J.R.; Fernandez, C. and Friend, I. (2010). Guide to effective psychological treatments II: Health Psychology. Madrid: Pyramid.