The psychological treatment approach of behavior modification aims to change behavior through the use of positive or negative reinforcement and punishment. This technique focuses on observable, describable and measurable behaviors, manipulating the antecedents and consequences of behavior to increase appropriate behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior.
History
B.F. Skinner, influenced by classical conditioning of Ivan Pavlov and John Watson, pioneered the theory known as "operant conditioning," or behavior modification. Interested in the relationship between observable stimuli and response in animals, Skinner hypothesized that rewards and punishment control animal and human behavior. Through animal experimentation, Skinner showed that greater or lesser reinforcement or punishment results in the adjustment of behavior.
Principles
Reinforcement and punishment are the main principles of behavior modification. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, while punishment weakens a behavior. Both can be either positive or negative.
Positive reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with a pleasant stimulus, while negative reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with the removal of a negative stimulus.
Positive punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the addition of a negative stimulus, while negative punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the removal of a pleasant stimulus. For example, a rat accustomed to receiving food when pressing the lever, no longer receives food when pressing the lever. The rat has experienced negative punishment.
Techniques
Three techniques of behavior modification include systematic desensitization, aversion and token economy.
Systematic desensitization helps alleviate fear associated with certain stimuli. Exposure to the fear-producing stimuli while focusing on relaxation techniques eventually leads to the fear-inducing stimuli resulting in the relaxation response, rather than fear.
Aversion helps break bad habits through associating aversive stimuli to the undesirable habit. Eventually, the undesirable habit becomes associated with the negative consequence and the behavior is reduced.
A token economy is a highly effective behavior modification technique, especially with children. In this technique, desired behaviors result in the reward of a token--such as a poker chip or a sticker--and undesirable behaviors result in the removal of a token. When children obtain a certain number of tokens, the children get a meaningful object or privilege in exchange for the tokens. Eventually, the rewarding of tokens decreases and desirable behaviors display independently.
Steps to Success
Following five important steps helps ensure successful behavior modification. First, determine ways to help lessen the problem. Second, develop a program designed to weaken the undesirable behavior and strengthen the desirable behavior. Third, carry out the program. Fourth, keep objective records of progress. Last, monitor the program and results and alter as needed.
Potential
Behavior modification has potential to aid in many disorders, as well as everyday behaviors and situations. The technique has proved successful in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, autism, conduct disorders, phobias and addictions, as well as in parenting and classroom environments.
