Behavior Modification Psychology: How Reinforcement And Therapy Shape Behavior
Behavior modification is generally thought of as the process of changing patterns of human behavior using various motivational techniques, such as negative and positive reinforcement, extinction, fading, shaping, and chaining. It can be a useful tool to encourage desirable behaviors in yourself, your children, or your employees. There are strategies that may improve the effectiveness of behavior modification, and a therapist may help you determine the best ones to achieve your desired change.
What is behavior modification psychology?
Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but it’s estimated that 80% of those people no longer follow their resolutions by the end of the first month. Behavior modification through extinction psychology generally focuses on changing associations with the undesired or desired behaviors to make it more likely that you will stick with your goals.
Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement in behavior modification psychology
The theory behind behavior modification identifies that we can change the way we act or react by attaching consequences to our actions and learning from those consequences. The psychologist B.F. Skinner, known for his research on behavioral analysis, postulated that if the consequences of an action are unfavorable, there is a good chance the action or behavior will not be repeated, and if the consequences are favorable, the chances are better that the action or behavior will be repeated. He referred to this concept as “the principle of reinforcement.” Skinner's introduction of positive and negative reinforcements in his framework became the basis of the development of many modern ideas in reinforcement psychology.
At a fundamental level, Skinner’s behavior analysis modification model can be a way to change habits by following actions with positive or negative consequences to either break bad habits or reinforce good habits.
Behavioral modification techniques for learning how to improve behavior and self-esteem
For many disorders, such as ADHD, behavior therapy has been shown to be effective, and it may improve both behavior and self-esteem. Behavior modification is often used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), irrational fears, substance use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder in clinical settings. You may develop and implement a behavior modification plan on your own, or you can find a therapist who specializes in behavior modification therapy for additional guidance and support.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Behavior modification techniques
There are several evidence-based ways to approach modifying behavior. Some of the techniques below are best implemented within specific contexts or with certain age ranges or developmental stages. Keep in mind that what works for one person will not always work for another person, and a licensed mental health care provider can provide guidance regarding behavior modification goals.
Positive reinforcement and positive punishment
In psychology, you can think about the concepts of positive and negative as mathematical symbols. You might keep in mind that taking something away is considered negative, and adding something is seen as positive.
Generally, positive reinforcement adds a stimulus that reinforces good behavior. For example, you could positively reinforce the behavior of a student by awarding them a prize for doing well on their exam. Positive punishment, on the other hand, describes an added stimulus that decreases the likelihood of an undesired behavior occurring. For example, putting lemon juice (a stimulus) on your fingernails may discourage you from biting your nails (an undesired behavior). Positive punishment also includes corporal punishment, such as spanking, which is often seen as a harmful and unproductive form of behavior modification.
Negative reinforcement and negative punishment
As mentioned above, negative typically means that a stimulus is removed. Negative reinforcement can occur when you remove a stimulus to increase a desired behavior.
For example, an infant’s cries (a stimulus) may be removed when a parent picks the infant up (the desired behavior). As a result, the parent may be encouraged to pick up their infant more often when they cry.
Negative punishment can occur when a stimulus is taken away to reduce the frequency of an undesired behavior occurring. For example, a teenager’s cell phone (the stimulus) could be taken away when they stay out past their curfew (the undesired behavior).
Extinction
A behavior can become extinct when a stimulus or reinforcer is removed. For example, if your child becomes accustomed to getting a new toy (stimulus) every time they throw a tantrum (undesired behavior), you might refrain from buying your child a toy when they throw a tantrum. When done consistently, your child is likely to learn that the behavior never produces the desired outcome, and the behavior may become extinct.
Shaping
The process of shaping can reinforce behaviors that are closer to a desired behavior. For example, a child learning to walk typically involves several stages (sitting up, crawling, standing, walking). Parents might reinforce a child's learning to walk through shaping by giving a child encouragement when they engage in new steps in this process.
Fading
Fading is usually thought of as the process of gradually shifting from one stimulus to another. For example, if a parent encourages their child to get good grades on report cards with a positive stimulus, such as rewarding money for good grades, they may eventually seek to find a more sustainable stimulus to maintain good academic performance. Fading removes the old stimulus, getting money in exchange for good grades, and replaces it with a new stimulus, such as satisfaction in learning new material.
Chaining
Behavior chains can link individual behaviors to form a larger behavior. By breaking down a task into its simplest steps, a complex behavior may become more consistently achievable.
Keys to success: Using positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and behavioral strategies for lasting change
Consistency can be crucial for achieving long-term behavior change. Once a desired behavior is established, consistent use of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and behavioral strategies is typically required to maintain it. When using behavior modification techniques for children, it may be helpful to discuss strategies with teachers, grandparents, and other caregivers to establish rewards and consequences for behavior clearly.
Balancing positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and effective behavior modification technique
Applications for behavior modification therapy techniques
Behavior modification is often thought of as a parenting tool. However, while commonly used for children and adolescents, behavior modification can be effective for many demographics. For example, many adults use behavioral therapy to quit smoking, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and work more efficiently.
Because no two people are alike, behavior modification plans and programs are usually not one-size-fits-all. You may need to tweak or substitute elements of one plan or another to best suit your situation and your ultimate goals, and behavior modification therapy may work best in conjunction with other types of therapy.
How a psychologist uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavior modification techniques to address problem behavior
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of therapy that a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, may suggest. In CBT, you typically identify unhelpful behaviors and thought patterns and work to replace them with healthy, helpful behaviors and thought patterns. Many studies have been conducted that support the effectiveness of online CBT. For example, a recent publication considered more than 2,500 of those studies and found that online CBT therapy could be as effective as in-person therapy.
Online therapy platforms may offer CBT, and taking advantage of these services can help you understand why you engage in undesired behaviors and create a plan to modify your behavior. Online therapy tends to be more flexible, so you may be able to meet outside of standard business hours. Additionally, in-app communication may allow you to reach out to your therapist when setbacks occur, so you don’t have to wait until your session to bring up challenges.
Takeaway
What is known as behavior modification?
Behavior modification is a treatment approach that consists of several motivational techniques that help eliminate unwanted or problematic behaviors and encourage desired or positive behaviors. It is based on B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory states that an action will be repeated if the consequences are favorable, while if the consequences are unfavorable, the action won’t be repeated.
Is behavior modification the same as behavior therapy?
Behavior modification is a type of behavior therapy. With behavior modification, the end goal is to change a specific behavior, giving attention to progress and outcome without a lot of consideration for thoughts and feelings. Instead, behavior modification uses a series of rewards and negative punishments to reinforce a desired behavior or to eliminate an undesired one. On the other hand, another common approach to behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on changing behaviors through changing patterns of thought, belief, and feelings.
What is behavior modification for students, and how is it used for learning?
Behavior modification is an evidence-based treatment for children with externalizing disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder, or oppositional defiant disorder. A behavior plan may be developed by a child psychiatrist or psychologist working either within the school system, family therapy, or own practice, but must be applied across all aspects of a child’s schedule, including school and home life.
Teachers, aides, and anyone else who works with the student are trained in the behavior plan, which often consists of a system of rewards. A token economy is used, with a child earning a sticker, token, or other marker over a specified period of time, which can then be exchanged for a positive reinforcer.
What is the most effective method of behavior modification?
Behavior modification plans can vary depending on the needs of the client, but in general variable ratio intermittent reinforcement is the most effective behavior modification schedule. This is the same pattern that makes gambling addictive, with a reward coming at different intervals. For example, you may get a reward after completing the desired three times, the next time, six times, and then after completing it two times. The brain is never quite sure when the next positive reinforcer is coming, and so continues to offer the desired behavior in the hopes of gaining the reward.
How to create a behavior modification plan?
The most effective way to create a behavior modification plan is to work with a licensed mental health professional who has both training and experience in the field of behavior modification.
How to change the problem behavior of a child?
Family therapy can be a good place to start if you are seeking to change a child’s behavior. You can also make an appointment with a child psychologist or psychiatrist. They can gain more insight into the cause of the problem behavior, and determine what kind of behavior therapy would be most appropriate to address it.
For some, some form of cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective, as the therapist will treat trauma or help manage emotions that can be driving the behavior. Others who are experiencing externalizing disorders may be better off with a behavior plan based on behavior modification principles.
Why is behavior modification technique important in the workplace?
Many companies have found that using a variety of behavior modification techniques such as reward systems and disciplinary actions can help employees stay motivated. Performance reviews are a commonly used form of behavior modification, in which an employee sets goals with their manager, and is reviewed on these goals after a certain period of time, and rewarded with a salary increase percentage.
What are the components of behavior modification?
The three main components that make up behavior modification are:
Stimulus. This is the catalyst that drives a specific type of behavior, positive or negative.
Reinforcement. This is a consequence (a reaction to the stimulus) that causes an increased likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.
Punishment. This is a consequence that decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.
How to use behavioral modification on yourself like a psychologist?
If you want to use behavioral modification on yourself, just like a psychologist, you must first identify the specific behaviors you want to change. It is important to know and set clearly the reinforcement strategies you want to use and track the progress. That is the time that you need to use positive reinforcement for good habits and negative reinforcement for you to remove or eliminate those behaviors that you dislike. You can adjust the techniques that you are using and the one that fits you the most.
What are the disadvantages of behavior modification?
If there is inconsistency, then it can result in short-term changes. Also, it won’t clearly address the psychological and emotional causes of behavior. Being too dependent on external rewards can make it hard for an individual to kee positive habits.
What is more effective behavior modification: positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is more effective than negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement builds motivation by rewarding desired behaviors. However, negative reinforcement can only work in specific situations and create stress as well when overused.
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