The behavioural approach in nursing practice is the main concern of this book, originally published in 1982. Although the discussion concentrates on the fields of psychiatry and learning disabilities, it is also relevant to other areas of nursing such as the care of the elderly or of sick children. The book traces the development of behaviour therapy from its beginnings in the experimental laboratory work of Pavlov, Skinner and Watson to the more recent influences of social learning theory. A survey is made of the major stages in the therapy process, and this is followed by a detailed description of possible types of treatment. In conclusion some of the more controversial issues raised in this book are reconsidered, along with their implications.

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Philip J. Barker and Douglas Fraser