Causal models and the assessment-treatment relationship in behavior therapy

The relationship between causal models in behavior therapy and strategies for designing intervention programs on the basis of assessment data is considered. The evolution away from simple univariate causal models is noted and complex causal models for behavior disorders are stressed. However, complex causal models currently preclude empirically based functional analytic and keystone target behavior assessment strategies for intervention design. Future directions for intervention design involving a combination of diagnostic, functional, analytic, and keystone strategies and markers for causal paths are discussed.