The difference between behavior modification programs and simply changing a behavior revolves around techniques of stimulus, response and reward that characterize formal behavior modification. Behavior modification began in academia in the 1950s led by Harvard professor B. F. Skinner. Researchers developed basic principles of behavior modification--also called operant conditioning--that included behavior-based reinforcement or reward schedules and successive approximation as a means to achieve desired behaviors. Their findings provide the theoretical foundation of behavior modification programs for treating smoking addiction, weight loss and anger management.
Weight Loss
Weight loss challenges even the most committed individuals. America's obesity epidemic in both children and adults captures headlines routinely as the numbers rise and effective treatment seems a distant dream. Behaviorists--practitioners of behavior management programs--work with other therapists such as nutritionists and counselors to improve the prognosis for successful weight loss through combined treatment strategies.
Behavior modification programs for weight loss focus on self-monitoring of eating triggers. Individuals keep logs of what they eat and the amount consumed. They report data on precipitating conditions to inappropriate eating and their emotional state. In addition to positive reinforcement from therapists and peers for meeting weight-loss goals, participants are encouraged to give themselves rewards when they meet agreed goals.
Behavior modification stimulus control asks participants to become sensitive to the cues that precede inappropriate eating. The therapist helps the client select an alternate and incompatible behavior when facing the eating stimulus conditions. Other self-monitoring data collection includes charting weight loss and exercise.
Quitting Smoking
Behavior modification programs to help people stop smoking attempt to break the stimulus-response cycle that triggers the urge to smoke. The therapeutic goal requires substituting unpleasant associations with smoking and pleasant association with not smoking.
Removing environmental triggers such as ashtrays and cigarette packs eliminates one type of smoking trigger. Behavior modification also addresses the effects of event-based stimuli, such as smoking with the first cup of morning coffee, drinking alcohol or sitting in traffic, by using aversive imaging techniques and delayed gratification rules.
According to Nicholas Covino, Psy.D., writing for the Journal of Dental Education, behavior modification programs alone have a poor success rate in smoking cessation. However, he continues, the current trend of combining medication, behavior modification and hypnosis shows promise in improved cessation rates and decreases in recidivism but requires further investigation.
Anger Management
Young children often express anger through emotional outbursts or aggressive behavior. Although traditional parenting advice suggests ignoring these behaviors so as not to give rewarding attention, some children experience anger overload that requires active behavior modification intervention.
David Gottlieb, Ph.D., writing for Great Schools, suggests parents and teachers learn a child's anger triggers through observation and then intervene quickly to allow the child to regain self-control before the outburst takes on a life of its own. Behavior modification programs for anger management use distraction and an agreed system of rewards and punishments to deal with anger overload. He notes that children take consequences more seriously than lectures. Parents can use effective techniques such as time-out and revocation of privileges, along with systematic rewards for controlling anger.
References
- Webster University: B. F. Skinner
- American College of Physicians: Evidence for Success of Behavior Modification in Weight Loss and Control
- Journal of the American Diabetes Association: New Directions in Behavioral Weight-Loss Programs
- Journal of Dental Education: Hypnosis, Behavioral Theory and Smoking Cessation
- Great Schools: Anger Overload in Children: Diagnostic and Treatment Issues
