Behaviour modification

Behavior Modification is a technique of altering an individuals reactions to stimuli through positive reinforcement and the extinction of maladaptive behavior.

While founded in behaviorism, Behavior modification has long been used by psychotherapists, parents, and caretakers of the disabled, generally without any underlying behaviorist philosophy. It involves the most basic of methods to alter human behavior, such as reward and punishment, aversion therapy, reinforcement, and even biofeedback. The cultivation of life skills are often a central focus.

Analysis of the patients thoughts are not required, but many non-behaviorists feel the therapy can be powerfully improved with such cognitive analysis. Punishment is also frowned upon in many contexts, with extinction of conditioned reflexes often in its place.

A major focus of Behavior modification is giving compliments, approval, encouragement and affirmation; a ratio of 5 compliments for every one complaint is found to be most effectual in altering another's behavior in a desired manner.

[edit] See also John B. Watson Ivan Pavlov B. F. Skinner Behavior Modification Facility conditioning classical conditioning operant conditioning Beyond Freedom and Dignity life coaching A Clockwork Orange [edit] External links ldonline.org - Behavior modification in the Classroom about.com - Changing Our Perspective Can Help Our Child To Behave ehow.com - How to Create a Behavior Modification Plan for Students With Behavioral Disabilities Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy - Behavior modification charts for home and school