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Behavior modification
1. Behavior
Modification
is a therapeutic technique based on the work of
B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist who is known as
the "Father of Behaviorism." Skinner developed a
theory of operant conditioning, which states that
all behavior is governed by reinforcing and
punishing stimuli. Behavior modification uses a
scheduled approach that rewards desired behavior
and "punishes" undesirable behavior. This
technique continues to be used in therapy and is
used in many psychological settings.
2. Behavior modification is a term used in behavioral
therapies to denote methods for conditioning
behavior. It has its roots in classical conditioning,
which involves the pairing of a behavior with a
reinforcement. The main idea is to reward the a
person if they implement a desired behavior or if
they stop undesired behavior. Behavior
modification can also involve incurring an
unpleasant consequence for undesired behavior.
Behavior modification is used in a variety of
situations, ranging from the behaviors of a child
in the classroom and at home to the behavior of
adult prison inmates. This conditioning may be
implemented by an authority figure, or it may be
used in self-help exercises.
3. Purpose
Behavior modification is used to treat a
variety of problems in both adults and
children. Behavior modification has been
successfully used to treat
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), phobias, enuresis (bed-wetting),
generalized anxiety disorder , and
4. In connection to SPEd- children with
ADHD
ADHD BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
TECHNIQUES
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, troubles
many children, schools, parents, and families. According to
the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is the most
common mental disorder in children and adolescents in the
United States. According to Michael Bloomquist, Director
of the Attention and Behavior Problems Clinic at the
University of Minnesota, a child with ADHD often
struggles to accumulate the abilities and skills in self-
control, social, emotional, and academic areas. Effective
behavior modification techniques help such a child
succeed.
5. Significance
Problems in self-control or attention characterize ADHD.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3
to 5 percent of children qualify for this diagnosis. More
boys than girls have it, and unlike once thought, these
symptoms often trickle into adolescence and adulthood.
Without adequate intervention, children with problems in
self-control are more likely to be rejected by peers, and
often develop academic and emotional problems.
According to Bloomquist, a behavior modification plan
and techniques build mastery and competence, and
promote psychological development and success.
6. Function
Children with ADHD may show emotions without constraint
have difficulty focusing on or completing a task, become
impatient, blurt out inappropriate comments, and have trouble
waiting their turns. Having the ability to regulate emotions and
behaviors early in life, acquiring good social and academic
skills, having supportive parenting and predictable routines and
rituals, and being accepted by, and associated with, positive-
influence children, remain protective factors for children to
sustain socially-acceptable behaviors and adjust easily in life.
Bloomquist notes that behavior modification techniques help
accomplish these goals by enhancing self-control, social,
emotional, and academic development, and improving parent
well being and relationships with their children.
7. Types
Behavior modification techniques for ADHD can reinforce
positive behavior, or punish negative behavior. According to
Bloomquist, behavior modification techniques teach a child
with ADHD to obey, follow rules, manage anger, develop
social and problem-solving skills, promote positive peer
affiliations, assist in understanding and expressing feelings,
think helpful thoughts, encourage appreciation of reading,
and increase self-directed academic behaviors. Behavior
techniques in the form of a plan promote a child's self
esteem. Parents should rank and prioritize areas that need
the most attention, and develop a plan focused on these
targeted behaviors.
8. Considerations
Behavior modification techniques for ADHD require effort
and consistency. Bloomquist identifies parent and family
well-being as being crucial to the success of a child's
acquisition of self-control. Previous or concurrent family
treatment may enhance the outcome. Adding medications
to treat ADHD may prove helpful. A Consumer Reports
survey demonstrated that 67 percent of those trying
medications for ADHD reported they helped "a lot." Dr.
Orly Avitzur, a neurologist and medical advisor to Consumer
Reports magazine, indicates that kids improve most with a
combination of medication and behavioral modification
techniques.
9. Solutions
Specific strategies exist for various ADHD behaviors. Bloomquist
suggests giving effective commands, using effective warnings, and taking
away a privilege when targeting disobedient behaviors. To reduce angry
outbursts, help the child define anger, teach recognition of anger body
cues, teach and encourage relaxation skills and helpful self-talk. Teach
positive social behaviors, and coach and reward desirable social
behaviors in social situations. Instruct the child in social problem solving
and use "guided questioning" to help explore possibilities and options for
problem-solving social situations. For emotional well being, help the child
identify and change unhelpful thoughts and demonstrate helpful
thinking. Bloomquist encourages collaboration with the child,
assessment of his readiness for the task, staying calm, and being
consistent. Practicing with daily charts containing up to four target
behaviors, using non-material reinforcers for desired behavior, and mild
punishment for zero compliance, can enhance performance and
effectively shape targeted behaviors.
10. Conditioning to Modify
Behavior
Behavioral conditioning occurs when a certain
behavior is either rewarded or negatively
reinforced. Note that punishment may be, but does
not have to be, a reinforcement. Generally, simpler
behaviors are easiest to condition; more complex
behaviors need to be broken down into smaller
steps. At every point, the desired behavior must be
attainable by the person learning.
15. Behavior modification techniques shape
behavior through a system of reinforcement
and punishment. This type of system can be
effective in helping certain problem
behaviors, such as those frequently seen in
children with ADHD. In behavior
modification strategies, the problem
behavior, and the desired behavior that
ideally will replace it, must be clearly
defined. Then small steps toward the
desired behavior are rewarded. Lapses in
progress, or regression back to the problem
behavior, are not rewarded.
18. Challenging behaviors in a child with ADHD
(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) include
not listening, arguing and non-compliance. These
negative behaviors test parents and stress
teachers. Children struggle to complete
assignments, finish projects and remember rules.
By instituting behavioral interventions for
children with ADHD, negative behaviors
decrease and positive behaviors increase. Three
behavioral plan components listed in an article at
ADDitude, an online magazine dedicated to
ADD and ADHD, include a focus on the
essential, documentation and a commitment to
note and reward improvement.
21. The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) are often treated with stimulant
medication. The Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) report that the inattention, hyperactivity
and impulsiveness of ADHD can be treated with
behavioral therapy. Dr. P.S. Jensen reported in the
February 2001 issue of "Journal of Developmental
and Behavioral Pediatrics" that behavioral therapy
combined with medication is the best treatment
for ADHD. According to the Encyclopedia of
Mental Disorders, behavioral modification is a
form of behavioral therapy that replaces
undesirable behavior with more acceptable
behaviors using positive and negative
reinforcement.
