What is Behavior Modification Therapy?

Behavior modification therapy has been established treatment since the 1950s and is basically the use of rewards or punishments to modify behavior.   New responses can be taught to an individual and desired behavior is reinforced, eliminating inappropriate or undesirable behavior.  A behavioral modification program is undertaken in stages.  First the inappropriate behavior is observed, identified, targeted and stopped.  At the same time, a new appropriate behavior must be identified, developed, strengthened and maintained. The use of positive reinforcement with pleasant rewards contrasts with punishment or negative reinforcement.

On one level this sounds like common sense parenting – “If you behave yourself, I’ll buy you an ice-cream .”  Problems arise however when standards become negotiable and when the reward system is inconsistent.   However, behavioral modification techniques can be highly effective in children and teenagers, primarily because of their youth.  Unlike adults, they are not set in their ways and the younger the child, the more effective these techniques can be.  To be effective they need to be reinforced at home and in the school, as consistency is key.

In the classroom, teachers need to have effective teaching practices, frequent monitoring, and strict rules and regulations.  The principles of positive and negative reinforcements must be adhered to along with modeling of acceptable social behavior.   Teens also need direct teaching of social problem-solving skills such as alternative thinking, self-instruction and self-monitoring training.  Learning how to conduct a dialogue, how to listen, evaluate, and generally communicate is part of the necessary training as well as learning how to deal with real-life situations and making choices.

It is only when the teen becomes aware of cause and effect of the undesirable behavior that change can happen. With constant reinforcement of the new appropriate behavior, an adolescent can begin to be a part of the family again, showing a concern for self as well as others and taking his or her place in the community at large.

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