The SORKC model represents an extension of what is known as operant conditioning. This is a behavioral model that can be used to explain both the acquisition of behavior and the behavior itself.
What is the SORKC model?
The SORKC model is a model used primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy to diagnose, explain, or modify behavior. Behavioral models assume that a particular problem behavior must not be examined in isolation, but rather in relation to the situation at hand or the resulting consequences. The SORKC model is a model used primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy to diagnose, explain, or change behavior. It is sometimes called “horizontal behavior analysis.” It involves gathering information about a particular problem and then identifying correlations and conditions. This allows information around various behavioral problems to be organized and a treatment plan to be determined. The SORKC model is a learning theory model that was extended by Kanfer and Saslow, whereby they also included the organism variable (O), which was initially used to designate only biological causes of behavior. Subsequently, however, this variable was also supplemented by characteristics, experiences, beliefs, or schemas of the person in question, which could be important in explaining the behavior. The S stands for stimulus, which is all internal or external stimuli. R stands for reaction, C stands for the consequences that result, and K stands for contingency. Thus, the SORKC model can be distinguished from the so-called vertical behavior analysis, which analyzes higher-level goals and plans that influence the behavior of the individual in many situations.
Function, effect, and goals
In the form of a behavioral equation, the SORKC model describes the basis of learning processes and explains the occurrence of this behavior as well as the behavior itself. The SORKC model was developed by Frederick H. Kanfer, who further extended the behaviorist learning model. It is based on the assumption that humans can make themselves independent of environmental influences to some extent because they are able to reinforce or control themselves, which can also be referred to as self-regulation. Self-regulation means the interruption of automated behavior or when this is no longer suitable to achieve certain goals. A regulation process is then triggered by a certain objective. In the first phase, one’s own behavior is observed and brought into relation with the target behavior. In the second phase, the information obtained in this way is compared with certain standards or comparison criteria. If the standard is not reached by the behavior in question, a learning process begins in which a change in behavior should occur, which is then again compared with a standard until the new behavior corresponds to the standard. As a result, self-reinforcement and a feeling of satisfaction occurs. If one is of the opinion that the standard cannot be reached, then a termination of the self-regulation sequence follows. In the self-regulation process, the following variables are distinguished:
- Influences from the outside
- Cognitive processes that originate from the respective person himself and can also have an influence on the environment
- Basic biological and physiological conditions that have an effect on learning, thinking or behavior.
The SORKC model is very widely used, especially in behavior therapy:
- Here, S (stimulus) refers to the internal or external stimulus and captures the conditions that trigger a particular behavior. (Under what circumstances does the behavior occur?).
- O (organism) stands for the individual initial conditions. (What does the respective person experience?)
- R (reaction) denotes the behavior that follows the stimulus situation. (What is the behavior of the respective person?).
- K (contingency) stands for the temporal sequence of reactions. (What is the relationship between the behavior and the consequences?
- C (consequences) denotes the consequences of the respective behavior. (What are the negative or positive consequences of the behavior)?
According to this scheme, a stimulus triggers a certain reaction.This results in a consequence in further consequence. If the process repeats itself, the reaction is strengthened and, for example, mental illnesses can occur or also be treated, such as by changing the stimuli or by practicing a different behavior. If a therapist wants to collect or structure diagnostic information, the problem behavior is first defined. Then, the problem behavior is described in terms of different components and the internal or external stimuli are identified. Then the consequences or the factors that control the behavior are described. In practice, a distinction is often made between long-term and short-term consequences.
Risks, side effects, and hazards
In the early days of behavior therapy, functional behavior analysis was the core of diagnostics, on the basis of which therapy was subsequently planned. In the meantime, it is very often questioned whether an individual behavior and problem analysis is really worthwhile. One argument, for example, is that due to a standardized, disorder-typical procedure, an individual behavioral analysis does not seem necessary for certain mental illnesses. However, evaluated procedures do not yet exist for all mental disorders, so individual methods must be selected or justified in these cases. However, many behavioral systems-including the SORKC model-have limitations when it comes to mapping interpersonal processes (e.g., family conflict), for example. In addition, the model also cannot be used in cases of abuse, severe depression, violence, psychotic episodes, or acute crises.
