Covert conditioning: what it is, what are its phases, and techniques

Behaviorism is one of the best-known paradigms of psychology throughout history, its almost exclusive focus on human behavior being characteristic, based on the principles of learning through the association between stimuli. Born as opposed to psychoanalysis, it proposed the need to focus solely on the aspects observable, and without considering for the most part the participation of the mind as something scientifically studyable.

It would not be until the advent of cognitivism that cognition and other mental abilities would appear in scientific and empirical models of our mind and behavior, although before its appearance there was already an opening on the part of the behaviorist current to the exploration and incorporation of aspects less directly observables.

Thus, both paradigms are closely related, and there are even some theoretical models and therapeutic modalities that work from an intermediate point between both paradigms. A clear example of this is the so-called covert conditioning..

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covert conditioning

We understand by covert conditioning one of the best known psychological models based on the conditioning of behaviors. Like the rest of the conditioning, the model considers that our behaviors can be understood based on the association made between stimuli, responses and consequences of the latter (more stimuli), generating new associations when their appearance is coordinated, and that it is possible to alter the frequency of a specific response based on its consequences. Applied in therapy, this would allow us to modify a dysfunctional response or learn a specific behavior.

However, unlike in the non-covert models, the elements that would be used to modify behavior would be cognitive and not physical. In fact, the existence of factors not directly or covertly observable (such as thought) that are the foundation of behavior modification and that serve as the basis for covert conditioning. Specifically, one of the most relevant factors is the use of imagination as a fundamental variable.

It is considered that the main father and promoter of covert conditioning was Joseph Cautela, which would begin to apply the main principles of conditioning to cognitive elements such as symbolization, language and imagination. However, it is also worth noting the important role of other authors such as Wolpe and Homme, who would serve as precursors by creating the first systematic desensitization (of which largely departs from a considerable proportion of covert techniques) and the second by demonstrating that elements such as language could be controlled at the level experimental.

his theory

This model does not start from nothing, but is based on different assumptions or basic principles.

First of all it is based on the principle of homogeneity between overt and covert behaviors, that is to say, it is assumed that the extractable conclusions of the manifest phenomena can also be applied to the covert ones.

The second of the principles is that of interaction between the two: the manifested and the covert processes interact (for example, to physically relax we think of specific situations). The third and last one proposes that both the observable and manifest as well as the covert follow the same laws of learning.

The research carried out seems to reflect these assumptions, and the same techniques can be used in imagination than live and seeing that there is a palpable effect of the interaction between covert elements and manifestos.

Basic procedure: phases

Covert conditioning can be applied through different techniques, which we will see later. However, regardless of the technique used a specific process divided into different phases is usually used.

1. educational phase

At first, the professional explains the model and the technique to be used to the patient, clearing the doubts of this and justifying the reason for the use of said technique.

2. Evaluation phase and training in imagination

The use of techniques based on covert conditioning require a certain ability to imagination and visualization, these being something in which different patients may differ in big measure. Thus, it will be necessary to assess the patient's ability to form mental images and put themselves in different situations through imagination, and in cases where it is necessary to train him in it.

3. Covert conditioning application phase in consultation

Throughout this phase, covert conditioning will be applied in a controlled situation. Initially, a conditioning will be generated by associating mental images of behaviors and consequences, making a large number of pairings. About twenty essays are recommended. Little by little, the patient will reduce the level of help that he gets from the professional. as you master the technique.

4. Consolidation and generalization phase

This last phase focuses on ensuring that the patient is able to do the conditioning on his own and on making him more and more autonomous, also scheduling homework.

Techniques based on this model

Previously we have reflected the basic phases of the techniques based on covert conditioning. However, there are a large number of techniques that can be used in the treatment of the problems that the patient presents. Some of the most relevant are the following.

1. Covert positive reinforcement/negative reinforcement

Covert reinforcement, whether positive or negative, is based on the fact of generating some type of stimulation or consequence that causes an increase in the probability of repetition of the behavior that is to be generated or increasedbut in imagination

It seeks to bring the patient closer to carrying out the behavior, often being used together with systematic desensitization to reduce reactions such as anxiety. In the case of positive reinforcement we would use some type of appetitive stimulation for the subject, while in negative reinforcement we would use the withdrawal of an aversive stimulus. It is used in situations such as exposure to phobias, inhibited or avoided behaviors in other disorders or for learning skills.

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2. covert awareness

Covert sensitization is based on reducing the probability of issuing a behavior through the presentation of an aversive stimulus contingent on said behavior. It seeks to inhibit or reduce the response by generating negative responses such as anxiety to the appearance of the behavior. It is used in addictions and paraphilias, for example.

It would be equivalent to positive punishment, in which a behavior is reduced (punishment) by adding (positive) an undesirable and annoying stimulus. Being covert, what would be done is to imagine the problem behavior to be reduced or eliminated associated with aversive situations.

There is a modality, assisted covert, in which actually yes real stimulation is applied even though the aversivity is imagined. In cases where there is a lot of anxiety or difficulties imagining oneself, it can be done vicariously: imagining another person doing the behavior and suffering the negative consequences.

3. Hidden response cost

Equivalent to the negative penalty or response cost, it is based on the decrease in the probability of performing a behavior through the withdrawal of an appetitive stimulus. The subject is made to associate the performance of the behavior with the withdrawal of some reinforcer. It is used, for example, in paraphilias or in other types of maladaptive responses.

4. covert modeling

Modeling is a technique in which the observation and subsequent repetition of a behavior is sought through the visualization of a model that performs it. In the case of covert modeling, the model in question would not exist physically but rather the subject would have to imagine a subject different from himself carrying out the activity to be trained. Little by little and through repetitions, the imagined model becomes more and more like the subject.

It is recommended first that the model is hesitant and that it presents some difficulties, to later carry out the action with great mastery. Finally, the patient is asked to imagine himself performing the action without difficulty and mastering the situation. The learning of new behaviors is mainly sought, in a similar way to positive reinforcement.

5. covert assertion

Based on self-control, this technique is based on the reduction of negative emotions and cognitions towards oneself that make it difficult to achieve success in meeting objectives or facing or overcoming a situation through the use of positive verbalizations. Thus, it would be a question of reducing self-criticism through the generation of positive assertions that generate well-being.

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6. self control triad

Technique designed by Cautela himself that includes elements such as thought stopping (which in itself is another covert conditioning technique) or behavior in which the subject subvocally orders the cessation of the behavior or thought to reduce, to later perform relaxation exercises such as breathing and later the visualization of positive scenes.

Bibliographic references

• Dahab, J.; Rivadeneira, C. and Minici, A. (2005). Covert conditioning techniques. Journal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 9. CETEC.
• Almendro, M.T.; Diaz, M. and Jimenez, G. (2012). Psychotherapies. CEDE PIR Preparation Manual, 06. CEDE: Madrid.