Binocular rivalry and reciprocal inhibition

Any explanation of binocular rivalry based on a reciprocal inhibition mechanism would require that unilateral increases in the stimulus strength of the rivalry target in one eye produce increases in the mean nonsuppression duration of that eye and concommitant decreases in the mean nonsuppression duration of the contralateral eye. To test that hypothesis, the stimulus strength (in this case, contrast) of one rivalry target was varied (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ft-L) while the strength of the target in the other eye remained constant. The data, obtained from six experienced Ss, indicate that variations in stimulus strength do not alter the mean nonsuppression duration of the recipient eye. This outcome offers a fundamental difficulty for the reciprocal inhibition concept. A model that assumes partially independent suppression and dominance mechanisms is suggested as a more adequate alternative.     

The treatment of an obsessional patient by reciprocal inhibition

A case is described of a phobic anxiety state in an obsessional personality. Treatment was successfully carried out using reciprocal inhibition techniques. Follow-up at nearly a year showed continued remission. Other treatment in the past, including E.C.T., insulin coma therapy, a variety of drugs, and finally leucotomy had failed to effect a satisfactory cure.     

The Pavlovian basis of reciprocal inhibition therapy

While there is a slight disagreement between Wolpe’s views and Pavlov’s statements concerning the application of experimental psychology to the study of psychiatry, Wolpe indicates that he owes much to Pavlov. A Pavlovian analysis of therapy by reciprocal inhibition, which includes the physiological constructs as well as Pavlovian methodology, will increase our understanding of Reciprocal Inhibition therapy. The major techniques of Reciprocal Inhibition therapy are discussed in the terms of Pavlovian method and theory. Desensitization based on systematic relaxation appears to be effective because the excitatory stimulus is presented when the subject’s cortex is predominantly in an inhibitory state while relaxed. Assertive training relies mainly on building up the excitatory process by use of the second signal system. Thought-stopping is analogous to the external inhibition procedure with the use of the second signaling system as the “extra” stimulus. Deductions from Pavlov’s typology predict that an excitable subject will be difficult to desensitize and somewhat easier to train in assertive behavior and thought-stopping. Some implications of relating Pavlovian method and theory to Reciprocal Inhibition therapy are discussed.     

Programmed relaxation and reciprocal inhibition with psychotic children

This exploratory project illustrates, in contrast to earlier opinions, that psychotic children can be taught muscular relaxation through carefully structured training in physical relaxation. The learned relaxation behavior was apparently antagonistic to and effected a significant decrement in the generalized response of high anxiety which had previously led to aggressive outbursts. As a result of the exploratory project it was hypothesized that although systematic desensitization may be necessary for modifying specific patterns such as phobias, the generalized excitement response of psychotic and other severely disturbed children may be effectively and parsimoniously modified simply through general training in muscular relaxation.     

Personality and reciprocal inhibition theory: The link between aggression and sexual reactivity

The study tries to relate two approaches often discussed in the context of aggression and violence in combination with sexual arousal, the reciprocal inhibition theory (Wolpe, 1958) and an approach from personality psychology which emphasizes the psychoticism dimension (P) according to Eysenck and Eysenck (1975) as a mediator of violent sexual offence. The effects of preexposure to a violent vs. neutral movie on sexual reactivity to violent and non-violent sexual stimuli (audioplays and pictures) was studied in a male student population (N=64). Sexual reactivity was measured by self-ratings, inspection time and electrodermal activity. Results could not confirm reciprocal inhibition theory but revealed that sexual reactivity for subjects scoring high vs. low on the psychoticism/aggressiveness dimension were differently affected by preexposure to violence.     

Screening for Psychotherapy by an Open-Ended Group

A developmental model of conducting a time-limited, short-term inpatient psychotherapy group is described. The therapist's primary goal in this model is to promote members' awareness of their dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors and the conflicts underlying these behaviors. The therapist pursues this goal by facilitating the group in resolving the conflicts of the four phases through which the group passes. In Phase I, the group addresses conflicts related to the establishment of trust. In Phase II, issues related to dependency wishes focused upon authority figures occupy the group's attention. In Phase III, conflicts within peer relation-ships become focal. In Phase IV as the group approaches termination, group members explore feelings related to the acceptance of loss. For each phase, optimal therapist interventions are described.     

Humanizing Psychotherapy

The essence of the humanistic and existential approaches to psychotherapy is a commitment to conceptualizing, and engaging with people in a deeply valuing and respectful way. Hence, within these approaches, there is an emphasis on viewing clients’ behaviors as meaningful and freely chosen; and there is also a belief that clients have the capacity to become aware of the reasons for their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Phenomenological exploration is thus a central element of many existential and humanistic psychotherapies, and this requires psychotherapists to put to one side their therapeutic techniques and interpretative assumptions and to listen to clients in an in-depth, non-analytical way. From an existential and humanistic standpoint, however, this valuing of human beings also extends to the psychotherapist's own humanity. Hence, within these approaches, there is an emphasis on the psychotherapists themselves being genuine in the psychotherapeutic encounter, and being willing to meet their clients at a level of “relational depth.” Existential and humanistic practices may not be appropriate for all clients and all psychotherapists, but it is concluded that the principles underlying these approaches are of universal relevance to the practice of psychotherapy.

---