Discuss the behavioral and cognitive dimensions of the cognitive-behavioral model of abnormality, and explain how the two are used in combination to treat abnormal behavior.

The behavioral dimension of the model argues that abnormal behavior is learned through classical conditioning, modeling, or operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves people responding to one stimulus the same as they would another after both consistently occur together. Modeling involves someone observing a stimulus and response and then carrying out the same response. Operant conditioning states that people respond based on the way in which they have been rewarded or punished to do so. Behavior is used in treatment by having parents use various reinforcements so that their children can observe and learn to respond in an appropriate manner.
The cognitive dimension argues that abnormal behavior may be the result of cognitive issues. There are many forms of cognitive problems that can lead to abnormality, including overgeneralizations. Believing that all adults are
untrustworthy simply because a person has come in contact with one is an overgeneralization and can lead to abnormal behavior. Treatment can involve professionals helping clients think in a less negative or pessimistic manner. Both behavior and cognition are often observed and tested in a lab for treatment. For example, exposure therapy involves continually exposing someone to a phobia in order to change their response (behavioral) and their feelings (cognitive) toward the object. This is often successful due to the phenomenon of habituation