Modification of Aggressive Behavior in an Adolescent through the Use of Imagery Therapy

Author

Julie Jackson Underriner, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Date of Award

Summer 6-1987

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Education

Abstract

This case study explored the effects of using 12 sessions of Guided Affective Imagery (GAI) as advocated by Leuner to diminish aggressive behavior. The subject for the study was a thirteen-year-old female who resides in a group home facility. Overt behavior change was analyzed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and' the Direct Observation Form (DOF) in a pretreatment, posttreatment, and delayed posttreatment design. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the CBCL revealed no significant change in the subject’s aggressive behaviors. However, the DOF revealed a decrease in the subject’s problem behaviors on three other rating scales and an increase in her socially acceptable behaviors on a frequency tabulation. These seemingly inconsistent results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and research implications. Anecdotal data on each GAI session is also included.

Recommended Citation

Underriner, Julie Jackson, "Modification of Aggressive Behavior in an Adolescent through the Use of Imagery Therapy" (1987). Graduate Theses. 3.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-edu/3