Behavior modification
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Behavior modification is a treatment approach that uses
Description and history
The first use of the term behavior modification appears to have been by Edward Thorndike in 1911. His article Provisional Laws of Acquired Behavior or Learning makes frequent use of the term "modifying behavior".[5] Through early research in the 1940s and the 1950s the term was used by Joseph Wolpe's research group.[6] The experimental tradition in clinical psychology used it to refer to psycho-therapeutic techniques derived from empirical research.[7] In the 1960s, behavior modification operated on stimulus-response-reinforcement framework (S-R-SR), emphasizing the concept of 'transactional' explanations of behavior.[8] It has since come to refer mainly to techniques for increasing adaptive behavior through reinforcement and decreasing maladaptive behavior through extinction or punishment (with emphasis on the former).
In recent years, the concept of
Behavior modification relies on the following:
- Reinforcement (positive and negative)
- Punishment (positive and negative)
- Extinction
- Shaping
- Fading
- Chaining
Areas of effectiveness
Functional behavior assessment forms the core of applied behavior analysis. Many techniques in this therapy are specific techniques aimed at specific issues. Interventions based on behavior analytic principles have been extremely effective in developing evidence-based treatments.[9] In addition to the above, a growing list of research-based interventions from the behavioral paradigm exist.
Children with ADHD
For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one study showed that over a several-year period, children in the behavior modification group had half the number of felony arrests as children in the medication group.[10][11] These findings have yet to be replicated, but are considered encouraging for the use of behavior modification for children with ADHD. There is strong and consistent evidence that behavioral treatments are effective for treating ADHD. A recent meta-analysis found that the use of behavior modification for ADHD resulted in effect sizes in between group studies (.83), pre-post studies (.70), within group studies (2.64), and single subject studies (3.78) indicating behavioral treatments are highly effective.[12]
Uncontrollable diabetes Type 2
Drawing upon Bandura's self-efficacy theory, which has proven effective in programs aimed at promoting health-related behavioral modifications in adults with diabetes, various interventions have been implemented. These interventions incorporate group counseling, group discussions, and an empowerment process, all geared towards encouraging individuals to adopt healthy dietary practices, adhere to medication regimens, and engage in regular exercise, with the goal of improving glycemic levels. Notably, the outcomes of these programs have demonstrated promising advancements, with improvements observed in self-efficacy and trends towards significance in hemoglobin A1c levels.[13]
Residential treatment
Behavior modification programs form the core of many residential
Weight loss outcomes
Research has shown effectiveness for obese people who binge eat. One program called the Trevose Behavior Modification Program (TBMP) is an accessible self-help weight loss program that emphasizes ongoing care. TBMP, administered and directed by non-professionals, has demonstrated remarkable success in facilitating substantial and lasting weight loss. This program not only offers the advantage of being cost-effective but also provides continuous support. Notably, individuals with and without frequent binge eating have achieved significant long-term weight loss through TBMP's continuing care approach.[15]
Addictions
One area that has repeatedly shown effectiveness has been the work of
Depression
Another area of research that has been strongly supported has been behavioral activation for depression.[17]
One way of giving positive reinforcement in behavior modification is in providing compliments, approval, encouragement, and affirmation; a ratio of five compliments for every one complaint is generally seen as being
Criticism
Behavior modification is critiqued in person-centered psychotherapeutic approaches such as
Several people[who?] have criticized the level of training required to perform behavior modification procedures, especially those that are restrictive or use aversives, aversion therapy, or punishment protocols. Some desire to limit such restrictive procedures only to licensed psychologists or licensed counselors. Once licensed for this group, post-licensed certification in behavior modification is sought to show scope of competence in the area through groups like the World Association for Behavior Analysis.[24] Still others desire to create an independent practice of behavior analysis through licensure to offer consumers choices between proven techniques and unproven ones (see Professional practice of behavior analysis). Level of training and consumer protection remain of critical importance in applied behavior analysis and behavior modification.
See also
- Behavior management
- Behavior therapy
- Decoupling for body-focused repetitive behaviors
- Covert conditioning
- Habit Reversal Training
- Pain model of behaviour management
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
References
- ^ Mahoney, M. J.; Kazdin, A. E.; Lesswing, N. J. (1974). "Behavior modification: delusion or deliverance?". In Franks, C. M.; Wilson, G. T. (eds.). Annual Review of Behavior Therapy: Theory and Practice. Vol. 2. Brunner/Mazel. pp. 11–40.
- PMID 16795830.
- PMID 10396771.
- PMID 21119847.
- ^ Thorndike, E.L. (1911). "Provisional Laws of Acquired Behavior or Learning". Animal Intelligence. New York: The Macmillan Company.
- S2CID 46015274.
- ^ In Bachrach, A. J., ed. (1962). Experimental Foundations of Clinical Psychology. New York: Basic Books. pp. 3–25.
- doi:10.1037/h0082506.
- doi:10.1037/h0100155.
- PMID 3584002.
- PMID 9401334.
- PMID 19131150.
- PMID 23991917.
- ^ Dean L. Fixsen, Karen A. Blasé, Gary D. Timbers and Montrose M. Wolf (2007) In Search of Program Implementation: 792 Replications of the Teaching-Family Model. Behavior Analyst Today Volume 8, No. 1, pp. 96–106 Behavior Analyst Online
- S2CID 1363953.
- ^ Milford, J.L.; Austin, J.L.; Smith, J.E. (2007). Community Reinforcement and the Dissemination of Evidence-based Practice: Implications for Public Policy. IJBCT, 3(1), pp. 77–87 [1])
- S2CID 3337916.
- ISBN 978-0-395-12571-7.
- PMID 10407716.
- ^ "Re-evaluation Counseling".
- S2CID 143031073.
- ^ Skinner, B. F. (1974). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
- ^ D. Baer, R.F.; Peterson, J.A. Sherman Psychological Modeling: Conflicting Theories, 2006 [ISBN missing]
- ^ "World Center for Behavior Analysis". Archived from the original on 2011-01-10. Retrieved 2011-01-21.
External links
- Media related to Behavior modification at Wikimedia Commons