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What are the Different Types of Behavior Modification Techniques?

Marlene Garcia
Marlene Garcia

Behavior modification techniques include positive and negative reinforcement, aversion therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and token economy methods. Reinforcement provides a system of rewards and punishments to change negative behavior into positive responses. Aversion therapy is based on conditioning a patient to change his or her actions to avoid unpleasant consequences. Cognitive behavior modification techniques focus on thought patterns that affect behavior, and the token system provides immediate rewards while setting goals for future conduct.

Reinforcement provides rewards when someone acts in a positive manner. Rewards can range from a compliment to granting a special privilege to the patient whose behavior becomes desirable. A negative consequence might be the result of unwanted behavior, with the removal of a favorite object or taking away a privilege. Extinction is one facet of this behavior modification technique, which means no reinforcement is acknowledged. Placing a child in isolation or time out is an example of extinction because the child receives neither positive nor negative reinforcement from the parent.

Therapy may play a major role in behavior modification.
Therapy may play a major role in behavior modification.

Cognitive behavior modification techniques involve teaching a patient to recognize thoughts that may be unrealistic or distort reality. The patient learns to examine irrational beliefs that can lead to negative habits by keeping a journal, role-playing, and being asked to defend thoughts that defy reality. Over time, the patient may begin to see that his or her thoughts are automatic and responsible for undesirable actions.

Behavior modification may be required if a child continuously has problems with behavior at school.
Behavior modification may be required if a child continuously has problems with behavior at school.

This style of therapy is often used to help people suffering from anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive behavior and panic attacks. It is also commonly used with those who have eating disorders to illustrate how the patient’s perception of being overweight stems from unrealistic thoughts. Cognitive behavior strategies also might help those suffering from depression and insomnia.

Patients can often find it helpful to keep a journal.
Patients can often find it helpful to keep a journal.

Aversion behavior modification techniques center on the premise that all behavior is learned and can be unlearned. This method of behavior modification is sometimes called classical conditioning. The therapy uses unpleasant consequences the patient hopes to avoid by changing his or her actions. Electrical shock treatment is one example of adverse stimuli used to treat deviant behavior.

Consistency is key to a successful behavior modification plan.
Consistency is key to a successful behavior modification plan.

Milder forms of aversion therapy include medication given to alcoholics that might make them ill if they drink while using the drug. Unpleasant odors, tastes, and noise are other common tools used in aversion therapy. Opponents of this form of behavior modification techniques view the method as punitive and difficult for a patient to continue. It might also pose risks to patients with health problems, such as heart conditions.

Behavior modification methods differ based on the type of rewards or punishments offered.
Behavior modification methods differ based on the type of rewards or punishments offered.

The token economy technique distributes a token or similar object each time a patient or student exhibits positive behavior. Tokens can be amassed and later exchanged for a prize or privilege, or lost due to unwanted behavior. This form of behavior modification is commonly used in mental institutions and prisons to help control individuals who show violent tendencies.

Discussion Comments

Logicfest

Want to put some of these theories in practice? Use them on your pets sometime. Anyone who has successfully potty trained a dog knows what techniques work and which ones do not.

Training dogs is easy. Trying to get a stubborn kid to do what you want is another breed of cat (pun intended) entirely.

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    • Therapy may play a major role in behavior modification.
      By: emiliau
      Therapy may play a major role in behavior modification.
    • Behavior modification may be required if a child continuously has problems with behavior at school.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Behavior modification may be required if a child continuously has problems with behavior at school.
    • Patients can often find it helpful to keep a journal.
      By: pio3
      Patients can often find it helpful to keep a journal.
    • Consistency is key to a successful behavior modification plan.
      By: didesign
      Consistency is key to a successful behavior modification plan.
    • Behavior modification methods differ based on the type of rewards or punishments offered.
      By: Naty Strawberry
      Behavior modification methods differ based on the type of rewards or punishments offered.
    • A token system can be used to reward students for positive behavior.
      By: Ermolaev Alexandr
      A token system can be used to reward students for positive behavior.