A national survey of assessment and therapy techniques used by behavior therapists

The present mail survey investigated behavior therapy as it is currently practiced by members of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy (AABT). Information regarding professional attitudes, assessment techniques used, problems treated, and treatment procedures utilized was obtained. The questionnaire was mailed to 964 full members of the AABT, and 334 members responded for a 34.6% rate of return. The respondents were divided into two categories based on their primary professional activities (practitioner or academic), and comparisons between these groups were made. The results were also compared to the findings of previous surveys of AABT members (Swan and MacDonald, 1978; Wade, Baker, and Hartman, 1979). The survey results suggested a movement in recent years toward a cognitive behavioral orientation, and identified striking similarities and some differences between practitioners and academics.