Behavior Modification Techniques

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Behavior Modification Techniques - Insights on the History and Use of Behavior Modification in Parenting

Behavior modification techniques have a long, and sometimes controversial, history. This page is our effort to present a balanced view of this topic for parents who may want to learn more about how to apply behavior modification for children.

We have attempted to present a balanced and objective view of behavior modification techniques. Check this page, for more insights on the pros and cons of using behavior modification techniques as one of your positive parenting techniques.

Some History On Behavior Modification Techniques 

Behavior modification techniques derive from psychological treatment approaches based on the tenents of operant conditioning proposed by B.F. Skinner. The theories of operant conditioning state that behavior can be shaped by reinforcement or lack of it. Skinner introduced operant conditioning to the general public in his 1938 book, The Behavior of Organisms.

As a treatment technique, behavior modification is used to address many problems in both adults and children. Behavior modification has been successfully used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, enuresis (bed-wetting), separation anxiety disorder, and others.

By applying elements of these techniques, parents can work with their children to replace undesirable or inappropriate behaviors with more desirable ones.

Behavior Modification Techniques: Positive Consequences For Behavior 

A reinforcing consequence is anything a person receives, as a result of their behavior, that makes them more likely to repeat that behavior on the future. Reinforcers act to reinforce a behavior.

Positive reinforcers are consequences people receive that they enjoy. Positive reinforcement is used, in the context of behavior modification, to encourage desirable behaviors through a system of rewards.

In behavior therapy, therapists often create contracts with clients establishing the terms of the reward system.

Often, an undesirable behavior exists because it is rewarded. Many times, the reward is unintentional or unknown on first observation.

Using Extinction To Stop a Behavior


Parents can create behavior "extinction" by carefully observing their child's behavior and noticing what reward the child receives for behaving inappropriately.

Remove the reward for the behavior, and the behavior often goes away (it becomes "extinct").

Some examples of "rewards" for undesirable behaviors could be:

  • Getting what they cry or whine about.

  • Getting what they want by persistent begging.

  • Getting what they want by withdrawing from conversation.

The specific reward can change from child to child and from situation to situation.

Time-out is one form of applied behavioral modification that hopes to achieve it's goals by extinction. For example, by separating a child from the group when he or she misbehaves, parents hope to remove the expected reward of parental attention.

Behavior Modification Techniques: Negative Consequences For Behavior 

Negative consequences for behavior are:

  • Punishment

  • Penalty

  • Negative reinforcement


Punishment happens when a person receives a consequence that they don't want as a result of their behavior. For example, if you receive an electric shock for turning on a light, you probably will not attempt to do it again. The electric shock is a punishment for the behavior of using the switch to turn on the light.

Penalties happen when a person loses something as a result of a behavior. For example, loss of privileges can be a type of penalty.

Punishment or penalty for one behavior can act as a negative reinforcer for another behavior. For example, in the light switch example above, if you chose to leave the light switch on at all times and use a circuit breaker to operate the light, the shock for using the switch (punishment) could be a negative reinforcer for using the breaker. (Yes, we know this is extreme. It's just to make a point.)

In a parenting situation, negative reinforcement could be withdrawal of television privileges, temporary loss of a toy, or extra clean-up duties as the result of an inappropriate behavior to encourage (or reinforce) a different appropriate behavior.

Behavior Modification Techniques That Lead To Extra, Voluntary Effort 

Punishment, penalty, and negative reinforcement will never create more than minimal effort.

ONLY POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT will inspire people (including your children) to give extra, voluntary, enthusiastic effort.

Use the negative consequences as necessary, and put extra effort into creating positive reinforcements. This is a key behavior modification technique.

Learn the principles of behavior modification techniques and learn to apply them as appropriate to your situation.

We recommend that you apply behavior modification techniques as one piece of your positive parenting program.

The 5 B's of Effective Parenting has some practical insights on how to apply these techniques most effectively.

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