Role of Assessment in Behavior Modification

The recent introduction of a broad range of behavior modification techniques has brought into focus several questions and issues of concern to clinicians and researchers. The particular problem discussed here is the need for a formulation of relevant assessment procedures. Some of the possible reasons for the lack of attention given to assessment by behavior therapists are presented, followed by a conceptualization of the role of assessment in this new approach to treatment. This formulation outlines two general goals toward which assessment should be directed: the delineation of the most relevant “targets” for change and the selection of the most appropriate behavior modification procedure. A hypothetical case and its formulation are presented to illustrate these proposals, and some directions for future study are noted.