Can we undo the learning experiences imposed on our slate of life?
Tabula rasa translates to “blank slate.”
In psychology, the term blank slate, or tabula rasa, actually has two meanings.
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This belief downplays the effects of genetics and biology on the development of the human personality.
When using this technique, the therapist is careful not to reveal any personal information about themselves.
Behaviorists posit any symptoms of apsychological disorderare the result of classical and operant conditioning.
Classical conditioningis also known as learning by association and causes most phobias.
Such techniques suggest that people are born with a blank slate that is then changed through learning experiences.
Therapy then focuses on changing these learned beliefs or behaviors.
Therapy would then focus on changing these associations and developing new coping strategies, beliefs, and behaviors.
The therapist helps you learn to relax in what is referred to as your “target situation.”
Since it issystematic, you don’t jump right into the deep end.
You create a hierarchy of fears related to the target situation, from least to most fear-invoking.
Later in the process, you might look at a live spider or even hold one.
With each step, the “power” of spiders to scare you diminishes until the phobia is gone.
Flooding
Proponents of flooding believe in confronting fears head-on.
For example, therapy might involve sitting in a closet for several hours if you are claustrophobic.
Once you calm down, you’ve changed your negative association with your fear into a positive one.
Behaviorists also believe flooding prevents avoidance behaviors, which reinforce your maladaptive condition.
Tabula rasa suggests that you were born with a blank slate but learned a destructive behavior.
Aversion therapy may help change your associations and avoid these maladaptive behaviors.
For example, aversion therapy may help a person with analcohol use disorder (AUD)overcome their addiction.
The therapist helps them associate their undesirable behavior with a highly unpleasant stimulus.
The idea is that you’d have learned some skills to implement during a real job interview.
Criticisms of Tabula Rasa
Not everyone agrees that people are born with a completely blank slate.
This idea also influenced the development of several different therapy approaches.
Stevens TG.Self-desensitization instructions: The most proven method to reduce phobias, anxiety, and fear.
Wechsler TF, Kumpers F, Muhlberger A.Inferiority or even superiority of virtual reality exposure therapy in phobias?
