Behavior Modification - What is that?

Behavior

Modification

Series

Teaching positive behavior

I want to introduce a new series - the behavior modification series - in which I will explain and guide you through developing and using a behavior modification plan.  I will say this particular series is intended for therapists, but may also be utilized by teachers or similar profession where establishing healthy behaviors is important for success.  Individuals are encouraged to use the information in these posts only in conjunction with guidance and support from your therapist/doctor (see disclaimer below).  

So, what exactly is behavior modification.  Simply put, this is a set of strategies used to monitor and change a person's behaviors by developing healthier behaviors.  For example, a person who wants to lose weight could use behavior modification steps to decrease eating and increase exercise.  A teacher could use behavior modification in a classroom to get students to stay in their seats and focus on school work.  

There are a number of specific techniques that are applied in behavior modification.  The overall goal remains the same however: use healthy behaviors in place of unhealthy ones.  One thing that helps behavior modification work more effectively is to have the person's willingness to change, however, that is not a requirement.

Now I don't mean to say that we go around making people change their behavior against their will, but let's think of it in the context of something.  A toddler wants a cookie before dinner.  Mom says no.  Toddler cries and whimpers a bit, but Mom still says no.  So, toddler, insistent on getting that cookie, cries harder, stomps his feet, maybe even lays on the floor in an all out temper tantrum.  Mom gives in just to get him off the floor.  Same thing happens the next day and the next - only this time, Mom gives in before we get to temper tantrum stage so she doesn't have to go through that again.  The toddler has been using behavior modification strategies (yes, I realize, he doesn't know that - but that's just what it is).  The child introduced a stimulus (we will talk about this as we go) to get what he wanted and Mom gave it to him.  The child learned that if I cry hard enough and long enough, she'll give my my cookie.  

This could be reversed also if Mom decided she is not going to give in any longer and let's him cry regardless - he will eventually learn that he can not have the cookie.  

So, that is a very plain, simple version of what behavior modification is.  The techniques are relatively simple, though they are involved.  As we go through this series, we will discuss the various elements of behavior modification.