Cases
Your client is an extroverted person who loves to socialize with friends. In the past couple of months, they have been isolating themselves and reporting low levels of mood. What do you suggest they add to their schedule to promote positive emotions?
Make time for people in your life, and try to be more social despite their low mood.
What psychopathology is Behavioural Activation mainly used to treat?
Depression
What are the internal barriers to behavioural activation?
Barriers that are within ourselves, such as thoughts and feelings that stop us from achieving our goals
Your client is a student athlete who loves the sport they play. They have felt overwhelmed with how busy their day-to-day life has become. Unfortunately, halfway through the year, they had an injury that has made them unable to play for the remainder of the season. Ever since their injury, they have isolated themselves, have trouble sleeping, and have a lower mood. What should you do to help their mood in the context of Behavioural Activation?
What is... encourage them to stay involved with their team, go to the games, and support their teammates despite the injury.
How long is the course of Behavioural Activation?
How do we determine if Behavioural Activation is effective?
Typically, BA is conducted over long periods (8-16 sessions).
Effectiveness can be monitored by self-report, feelings before and after engaging in activities.
How can depression act as a vicious cycle and impede behavioural activation?
The more depressed someone feels, the less they want to, and the less they do, the more depressed they feel.
Your client is a 21‑year‑old university student who has slowly withdrawn from their usual routine over the past six weeks. They’ve been skipping classes, staying in bed late, and spending most of their day on their phone. They used to enjoy running with a campus group, doing art, and meeting friends for coffee, but lately they feel “stuck” and unmotivated. Their avoidance of schoolwork gives short‑term relief but makes them feel worse later, and their mood has continued to drop as their activity level decreases. What should you do to help their mood in the context of Behavioural Activation?
Gradually increasing engagement in things they value—like classes, short walks, or brief social contact—helps break the cycle of withdrawal and low mood.
What are 3 examples of beneficial changes for Behavioural Activation?
Improving relationships,
Replacing unhelpful behaviours,
Increased pleasurable behaviours
What idea is Behavioural Activation centred around?
What is dissatisfying daily activities, such as withdrawal and inactivity, can result in depression, and also maintain or reinforce it.