Positive control as an alternative to aversion therapy

Abstract

The control of undesirable behaviors by aversive techniques under the label “aversion therapy” has become an increasingly prominent behavior therapy. The attention given to these techniques is a measure of resistance of disorders such as sexual deviations to more traditional therapies. Although effective in the animal laboratory, aversive control applied clinically may not be entirely appropriate. Some theoretical and practical draw-backs to aversion therapy are discussed, and an alternative is suggested in the use of positive behavioral control. In illustration, two cases of transvestism are presented.