Coverant control of self-evaluative responses in the treatment of depression: A new use for an old principle

The Origins and Current Status of Behavioral Activation Treatments for Depression

“…Homme (1965) had coined the term "coverants" to refer to "the operants of the mind." Case studies published in the journal Behavior Therapy specifically focused on "the self-management of covert behavior" (Mahoney 1971) or "coverant control of self-evaluative responses in the treatment of depression" (Todd 1972). The approach taken by Muñoz in his dissertation reflected this perspective: "Thinking is behavior-it is something one does.…”

On the Teaching of a Self-Modification Course

“…Depression, how to anticipate reinforcing situations, how to systematically engage in reinforcing activities, how to use the Premack Principle to refocus cognitions (Lazarus, 1968;Burgess, 1969;Todd, 1972). Depression, how to anticipate reinforcing situations, how to systematically engage in reinforcing activities, how to use the Premack Principle to refocus cognitions (Lazarus, 1968;Burgess, 1969;Todd, 1972).…”

a new behavioral emphasis: turning the inside out

“…thoughts, and this strategy helped to motivate a drug-dependent college woman to break her chemical habit. In another report, dramatic reductions in two cases of severe depression were accomplished by making behaviors of high frequency (smoking and job-related telephone calls) contingent on positive self-thoughts (Todd 1972). Cautela (1971a) has developed several additional covert operant procedures.…”