SORKC model

The SORKC model represents an extension of the so-called 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?

Behavioral models assume that a certain problem behavior does not have to be examined in isolation, but rather with regard to the respective situation or the resulting consequences.

The SORKC model is a model that is mainly used in cognitive behavior therapy and is used to diagnose, explain or change behavior. Sometimes it is also called "horizontal behavior analysis". In doing so, information is collected on a specific problem and then connections and conditions are shown. This allows information about various behavioral problems to be sorted and a therapy plan to be established. The SORKC model is a learning theoretical model that was expanded by Kanfer and Saslow, whereby they also included the organism variable (O), which was initially only used to describe biological causes of behavior.

Subsequently, however, this variable was also supplemented by characteristics, experiences, beliefs or schemata of the respective person, which could be important for explaining the behavior. The S stands for stimulus, these are all internal and external stimuli. R means reaction, C the consequences that result from it and K stands for contingency. This allows the SORKC model to be distinguished from the so-called vertical behavior analysis, in which overarching goals and plans are analyzed which influence the behavior of the respective person in many situations.

Function, effect & goals

In the form of a behavior 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 expanded the behavioristic learning model.

It is based on the assumption that humans can make themselves partially independent of environmental influences, since they are able to strengthen or control themselves, which can also be referred to as self-regulation. Self-regulation means interrupting automated behavior or when it is no longer suitable for achieving certain goals. A regulation process is then triggered by a certain objective. In the first phase, one's own behavior is observed and related to the target behavior.

The information obtained in this way is compared in the second phase with certain standards or comparison criteria. If the standard is not achieved by the behavior in question, a learning process begins in which there should be a change in behavior, which in turn is compared with a standard until the new behavior corresponds to the standard.

This creates self-reinforcement and a feeling of contentment. If one is of the opinion that the standard cannot be achieved, the self-regulation sequence is terminated. The following variables are distinguished in the self-regulation process:

• Outside influences
• cognitive processes that emanate from the respective person and can also have an influence on the environment
• biological and physiological basic requirements that have an effect on learning, thinking and behavior.

The SORKC model is used very often, especially in behavior therapy:

• S (stimulus) denotes the internal or external stimulus and records the conditions that trigger a certain behavior. (Under what circumstances does the behavior occur?)
• O (organism) stands for the individual starting conditions. (What does each person experience?)
• R (reaction) describes the behavior that follows the stimulus situation. (What is the behavior of the respective person?)
• K (contingency) stands for the chronological sequence of reactions. (What is the relationship between the behavior and the consequences?
• C (consequences) describes the consequences of the respective behavior. (What negative or positive consequences does the behavior have?)

According to this scheme, a stimulus triggers a certain reaction. This then has a consequence. If the process is repeated, the reaction is intensified and, for example, mental illnesses can occur or also be treated, for example by changing the stimuli or practicing a different behavior. If a therapist wants to collect or structure diagnostic information, the problem behavior is first defined.

Then the problem behavior with regard to different components is described and the internal and external stimuli are identified. Then the consequences or the factors that control behavior are described. In practice, a distinction is often made between long-term and short-term consequences.

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Risks, side effects & dangers

Functional behavior analysis was the core of diagnostics in the early days of behavior therapy, on the basis of which the therapy was subsequently planned. In the meantime it is very often questioned whether an individual behavior and problem analysis is really worthwhile.

One argument is, for example, that due to a standardized, disorder-typical procedure, an individual behavior analysis does not seem necessary for certain mental illnesses. However, there are not yet evaluated procedures for all mental disorders, so that in these cases individual methods must be selected or justified. However, many behavior systems - including the SORKC model - have limits when it comes to mapping interpersonal processes (e.g. family conflicts). In addition, the model cannot be used in the event of abuse, severe depression, violence, psychotic episodes or acute crises.