Behavior Modification

Definition
Behavior modification is a treatment approach, based on the principles of operant conditioning,
that replaces undesirable behaviors with more desirable ones through positive or
negative reinforcement .

Purpose
Behavior modification is used to treat a variety of problems in both adults and children. Behavior
modification has been successfully used to treat obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), phobias, enuresis (bed-
wetting), generalized anxiety disorder , and separation anxiety disorder , among others.

Description
Behavior modification is based on the principles of operant conditioning, which were developed
by American behaviorist B. F. Skinner (1904-1990). Skinner formulated the concept of operant
conditioning, through which behavior could be shaped by reinforcement or lack of it. Skinner
considered his concept applicable to a wide range of both human and animal behaviors and
introduced operant conditioning to the general public in his 1938 book, The Behavior of
Organisms .
One behavior modification technique that is widely used is positive reinforcement, which
encourages certain behaviors through a system of rewards. In behavior therapy, it is common for
the therapist to draw up a contract with the client establishing the terms of the reward system.
behavior modification technique is negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is a method
of training that uses a negative reinforcer. A negative reinforcer is an event or behavior whose
reinforcing properties are associated with its removal. For example, terminating an existing
electric shock after a rat presses a bar is a negative reinforcer.
In addition to rewarding desirable behavior, behavior modification can also discourage unwanted
behavior, through punishment. Punishment is the application of an aversive or unpleasant
stimulus in reaction to a particular behavior. For children, this could be the removal of television
privileges when they disobey their parents or teacher. The removal of reinforcement altogether is
called extinction. Extinction eliminates the incentive for unwanted behavior by withholding the
expected response. A widespread parenting technique based on extinction is the time-out, in
which a child is separated from the group when he or she misbehaves. This technique removes
the expected reward of parental attention.

Results
Normal results are that undesirable behaviors are replaced with more desirable ones.

Behavior modification is a treatment approach which is focused on changing behavior. This

method is based on the work of B.F. Skinner, a well known psychologist who developed the
operant conditioning theory -- which suggests that behavior can be modified by consequences
and through reinforcement. The major goal of behavior modification is to replace undesirable
behaviors with acceptable ones. An underlying theme is the belief that how people react to an
object or event can be modified by learning. This technique can be used in all age groups, and
can be applied to a wide range of settings.
Reinforcement
A commonly used element of behavior modification is positive reinforcement, or a reward
system. An example of positive reinforcement is giving a child a hug when she does a good job,
or to provide money for good grades. Negative reinforcement, which takes something away to
reinforce good behavior, is also an effective tool to modify habits or other behavior. An example
of negative reinforcement is when a child decides to get ready for school on time, and his parents
subsequently stop nagging him about this issue. The takeaway of nagging reinforces his
improved morning routine.
Punishment
Behavior modification can also discourage unwanted behavior through punishment, which can
also be positive or negative. In this theory, the term positive refers to something added -- such as
a consequence. An example is making athletes run extra laps if they are late to practice. Negative
punishment is when something is taken away, such as the removal of video games if chores have
not been completed. In this example, the negative punishment should encourage this child to do
his chores in the future, in order to avoid punishment.
Applications
Behavior modification can be an effective technique used in parenting, and also to help manage
behavior in children or adults with attention deficit disorder, autism or oppositional defiant
disorder. Furthermore, this method can be used to increase desired behaviors in any individual,
regardless of functional level. For example, behavior modification has been used successfully in
weight management and smoking cessation programs. Behavior modification can also be used to
increase productivity within organizations and businesses.
Use in Everyday Life
Although behavior modification is a tool used by many therapists, teachers and health
professionals, it can be fairly easy to use in everyday life. For example, if you want to encourage
a behavior in someone, praise and attention can be used as a positive reinforcement. Many adults
have learned the hard way that getting to work on time and obeying traffic rules avoids some
form of punishment -- and they have changed their behavior in order to avoid these
consequences.
Behavior Change Success
Because knowledge alone does not equal behavior change, understanding how to improve
behavior is essential for successful therapy and other behavioral interventions. Behavior
modification based on the operant conditioning theory is one such intervention that can improve
success. Tools from this theory can be applied to many areas of life, and can be used effectively
by parents, teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and anyone who wants to improve
habits and self care behaviors.

4 Proven Behavior Modification Techniques with Examples

Behavior modification is a means of changing behavior through various techniques used to
replace undesirable behaviors with desirable ones. Behavior modification techniques have been
used to treat both adults and children for various problems, such as enuresis (bedwetting),
separation and general anxiety, various phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), etc. The
methods use vary, but usually involve some form of positive or negative reinforcement. This
concept had its beginning in 1938, when B. F. Skinner published his book The Behavior of
Organisms, setting forth the principles of operant conditioning – that behavior could be shaped
by reinforcement or the lack of reinforcement.

With behavior modification, you are not worried about the cause for the behavior, you are only
using a method to change it. In this article, we will concentrate on modifying the behavior of
children. Parents, teachers, and anyone who works with or spends time with children will find
these child behavior modification techniques provide a successful approach to having children
behave in acceptable and desired ways.

Using Positive and Negative Reinforcement for Behavior Modification

There are four main components of behavior modification generally recognized by experts in the
field. You are probably familiar with each component, although you may not have used these
terms before. We will look at each one and how parents and teachers can use them effectively in
modifying the behavior of children at home and in the classroom.

Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is using a reward for positive behavior to make sure the child continues
with the desired behavior. It is the most effective method of shaping behavior because it is the
most pleasant. For example, praise and reward are both used in positive reinforcement.

Examples of Positive Reinforcements

 Your young child puts his dishes in the sink when he is finished eating and you tell him,
“Good for you! You put your dish in the sink before I asked you to.”
 Your school-aged child earns time to play a favorite video game when homework is
completed without arguing.
 Your teenager studies hard all semester and receives an A for a challenging subject. You
take your teen out for dinner and a movie, or provide funds for a special date night.

Negative Reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is taking something unpleasant away to reinforce good behavior. You
are not actually doing anything negative. For example, your child may choose to do their
homework without being reminder to avoid nagging.

Examples of Negative Reinforcements

 You nag your son every night about getting chores completed. One night your son
decides to do his chores right after school to avoid hearing you nag him.
 Your child has been misbehaving on the bus every day on the way to school. You decide
to ride with him and when his friends ask why, he must tell them it is because he has been
misbehaving or you tell them. He decides to behave, especially when you tell him next
time he will sit on your lap!
 Your teenager complains about not wanting to go to school during the entire ride to
school every morning. He hates country-western music, so you turn it on and play it
loudly. Your teenager stops complaining and talks on the way to school so you won’t turn
on country-western music.

Positive Punishment

If you present a negative consequence in response to negative behavior, you are using positive
punishment. An example is using natural consequences – allowing a child to suffer the
consequences for negative behavior – such as getting a bad grade when homework is not
completed and/or turned in.

Examples of Positive Punishments

 Your young child’s room is a mess with toys and clothes all over. You explain that they
must keep their own area clean. When they do not, you give them extra chores to do.
 Your school-aged child comes home using language you consider to be unacceptable.
You have them write 100 sentences saying they will not use such language again.
 Your teenager comes home late and does not call to give a reason for missing their
curfew. They are given a long lecture on being responsible.

Negative Punishment

With negative punishment, something is taken away in response to negative behavior. For
example, taking away electronics if homework is not completed, or taking away toys not put
away in a child’s room.

Examples of Negative Punishments

 You place your child in time-out for misbehavior, removing him from the activity or
environment he enjoys.
 Your child throws a temper tantrum and you use active ignoring to withdraw all attention
from her.
 Your teenager loses all cell phone and/or computer privileges when homework is not
completed.
Remember to use positive reinforcement whenever possible, as rewards are more effective for
most children in modifying future behaviors than are punishments.

Behavior Modification Techniques in the Classroom

Teachers can use behavior modification in their classroom to increase desirable student
behaviors and decrease undesirable ones. Behavior modification is based on the idea that good
behavior should be lead to positive consequences, and bad behavior should lead to negative
consequences. When behavior modification is used consistently, students slowly change their
behavior.
 Positive reinforcement refers to giving a student something that will reinforce their good
behavior. Classroom discipline that relies mostly on positive reinforcement is usually
very effective. Examples of positive reinforcement include praise, a reward system, or a
token economy system.
 Negative reinforcement is when a student is motivated to change behavior because it will
take away something unpleasant. A student who stops a behavior because his teacher
yells at him is trying to get rid of the negative reinforce (the yelling). Negative
reinforcement should be used sparingly with students, because it is less effective than
positive reinforcement.
 Positive punishment is used to stop negative behaviors. Although it sounds confusing to
refer to punishment as positive, when you are using operant conditioning, the term
positive means adding, so a positive punishment involves adding a consequence that will
help deter a student from repeating the behavior. For example, a small child picks his
nose in class and the teacher corrects him in front of the class, or a teen’s cellphone starts
ringing during class and he receives a lecture on why the phone should be turned off.
 Negative punishment involves taking something away from a student. Examples include
taking away recess or removing the teacher’s positive attention. Negative punishment can
be a very effective way to help a student learn from their mistakes.

When used consistently, modifications techniques can change a student’s behavior. For example,
start praising a student every time he shares, raises his hand, or waits his turn to speak. Each time
he speaks out in class without raising his hand, ignore him, or take away a privilege. Over time,
your students will learn that good behavior leads to positive consequences and bad behavior
leads to negative consequences.

Using Behavior Modification Techniques for Children

How to Determine the Best Behavior Modification for a Child

Every child is different and what works to modify the behavior of one child may not work for
another. For example, sending a child who enjoys time alone to their room for behavior
modification may have little or no effect. If your child does not enjoy using electronics, taking
away time to play a video game will not modify behavior.

For behavior modification to be effective, it should be used as soon as possible. Consequences

are positive punishments and are most effective when they are “natural consequences,” what
results when a child does not behave as they should, such as falling when their shoelaces are not
tied. We have all learned lessons from natural consequences, even adults. An example is running
out of gas when we forget to fill up, or losing our car keys when we do not put them in the same
place all the time. Natural consequences are excellent behavior modifiers.
Behavior modification is also a way to teach desirable long-term behaviors, such as completing
homework each day, making one’s bed and cleaning up one’s room, using good manners, telling
the truth, and taking care of personal hygiene. When behavior modification is used to teach long-
term desired behavior, it is best to teach one step at a time. For example, if you are teaching your
young child to clean their room, start with having them make their bed each morning. When that
task is mastered, make sure they put their dirty clothes in the hamper each time they take them
off and put their shoes where they belong. Each time a task is mastered, move on to another.

One common example of positive punishment is spanking. If you spank a child, you are giving
him something, not taking something away. However, spanking and other forms of corporal
punishment are not recommended, as they can increase behavior problems. You know your child
and what types of behavior reinforcement work. A child may respond to corporal punishment if
only used very rarely and when all other methods of behavior modification have failed. If
possible, always use alternatives to physical discipline.

How to Use Behavior Modification to Change Your Child’s Behavior

When you want to change your child’s behavior, use positive reinforcement for good behavior
and negative punishment for each incident of misbehavior.

Making Consequences Effective

 Consequences Must Be Consistent. If you do not use the same consequence
consistently, a child may decide it is worth the risk to misbehave. However, if he knows
that each infraction always results in the same consequence, he will likely change
behavior to avoid the consequence.
 Consequences Should Be Immediate. A child needs immediate feedback, both positive
and negative. Waiting weeks to earn a reward may not reinforce good behaviors each
day. Offering an immediate positive consequence is more likely to help your child repeat
the desired behavior.
 Consequences Should be Effective. Children react differently when positive and
negative consequences are used. If your behavior modification system does not produce
the desired effect, it should be reviewed and revised immediately.

How to Set up a Behavior Modification Plan

Step #1 Consider the Child

Every child is different and responds differently. Some respond better to positive reinforcement
and some to negative. You also need to take into consideration the age and maturity level of the
child. A young child is motivated by different behavior modification techniques than a teenager
is. Your young child may respond to attention or a smile, while your older child might require
public recognition to positively reinforce behaviors.

Step #2 Consider the Behavior Your Wish to Modify

Is the behavior one that is easy to modify or will several steps of behavior modification be
required? For example, if you are attempting to have a child brush their teeth before bed, it will
probably take consistent positive reinforcement, but is not as large a task as cleaning up their
entire room each day, which may involve several behavior modification techniques.

Step #3 Consider the Method That Will Work Best

Children respond differently to behavior modification techniques. Most children respond very
well to positive reinforcement. However, the teen years can be a challenge and may require some
negative reinforcement. Additionally, choose a behavior modification plan that is easy to use, so
that your will not have trouble consistently following it.
Step #4 Choose a Behavior Modification Plan

Beware of behavior modification plans and techniques available in book form. Remember,
behavior modification plans that work the best are made specifically for an individual child.
Your behavior modification plan should include both reinforcers, consequences designed to
increase desired behavior, and punishments, consequences that reduce unwanted behavior. The
best method is to offer natural consequences or logical consequences based upon the behavior
modification your child needs.

Your behavior modification plan can include one or more of the following:
 Attention. Giving a child attention is a positive reinforcer and can be very effective.
Spending time with your child, talking to them, and verbally acknowledging good
behavior are all ways to provide attention.
 Praise. Another positive consequence is praise. Praising your child for a task well done
will encourage your child to repeat the behavior.
 Rewards. Tangible rewards, such as earning a new toy, also modify behavior. However,
tangible rewards do not need to cost money. Free rewards, such as a special trip to the
park for your young child, or staying out a bit after curfew for a special occasion for your
teenager, also work well.
 Consequences. Your behavior plan should also include the use of consequences, both
natural and parent imposed. If your child loves a particular activity, taking it away in
response to poor grades may encourage them to do better. Consequences influence how
likely a child or student is to repeat a specific behavior. Negative consequences deter bad
behavior. Positive consequences increase the chances that a child or student will repeat a
good behavior.

Conclusion

Behavior modification techniques work in many situations. Child behavior modification

techniques include the use of both positive and negative reinforcements, and positive and
negative punishments. Parents can use a behavior modification plan to teach their children to
have good habits and behavior. Classroom control become easier when a teacher knows how to
use behavior modification techniques effectively.

Using the information in this article about behavior modification and the suggestions for how to
use both positive and negative reinforcers, punishments, and consequences, can teach children
and students to learn and repeat desired behaviors. Remember to formulate a plan and you will
begin to see the results almost immediately.