Behavior Modification

As name itself shows, it is a technique that aims at altering the behavior of an individual. A behavior is a kind of reaction or response given to a particular stimuli or situation. This is a form of psychotherapy which deals with the analysis of behavior, identification of troubled responses, and then addressing them by inducing positive rewards or negative punishment to alter or modify them.

Behavior Modification is part of philosophy which is known as behaviorism. Since long times this therapy is used knowingly or unknowingly by human kind to change or alter the behaviors. It is most common with the parents or care takers and children relationship. To carry out this therapy, there is no need of specific behavioral philosophy as it is based on the simple basic principles while dealing with common human behavior.

It is a basic human tendency to seek rewards, not necessary to be monetary and to avoid punishment. In Behavior Modification, the very same tendency has been used as a base through which we can alter any unwarranted behavior of the subject. By offering reward or punishment, it aims at the modification in the behaviors to the desired level while associating responses and stimuli. As it is based solely on the involuntary reactions of subject to the incidences and no where related with a planned conscious learning program, it is less effective in applied perspective.

The therapy is further distinguished into two practices; one which offers rewards, while other one offering punishment. In modern times, punishment part of therapy has been criticized by many. Nonetheless, it still offers a great effectiveness in situations like behavioral extinction. This feature has earned it the reputation of discipline technique in childhood. Hence, it has been always a premiere therapy for parents and caretakers all over the world. Off course, it has got its own flaws. If the punishment parameter is misused or over used, then it can lead to emotional disorders. It poorly fails if subject tries to focus solely on escaping from punishment rather than modifying his behavior.

Basics
Always try to endorse self-respect and self-belief in the subject you are trying. If you see your subject doing something great, novel, then him or her for those deeds, without an undue word of flatter. Create the incidences or opportunities, so that he or she can shoulder those responsibilities. If some thing goes wrong then be patient. For better results, patience holds the key. Be objective and try to understand the feelings of the subject and maintain a good rapport with him.

Techniques
To make the therapy effective, all the behaviors under question are to be considered on a platform of functional assessment. The most significant method of functional assessment is ‘ABC’ approach which include –
Antecedents: the thing which takes place before a specific behavior.
Behaviors: the exact nature of the behavior.
Consequence: the thing which takes place after making of behavior.
Once the observations are noticed and recorded, the data is analyzed to look for certain patterns visible. If there is a consistency in consequences following certain sets of antecedent then specific efforts are made to alter the course of behavior using certain reward or punishment offer.

You should follow certain guidelines to get the better success ratio. Set up a program with careful planning, dedication and lots of patience.
1. Try to erase the tensions present between you and subject and try to build the good rapport with him/her.
2. To start therapy, you have to choose a specific behavior. Look for such a behavior which has got the most negative impact and target it. While choosing the target, be realistic with the goals and don’t go for unrealistic goals.
3. Set up rewards to alter the behavior. Try to set up some tangible reward along with small rewards.
4. Be patient and use the option of time out to avoid giving any spontaneous response.
5. Be consistent with your offer of rewards as this will only motivate your subject to attain them.
6. Try to be diverse while offering rewards. This will only make things interesting for the subject.

Although, there are few people criticizing this therapy for its punishment parameter or individual centered nature, it has proven of great help, especially in cases of children’s behavior if applied with cognitive therapy.