Behavior Modification

Therapy
Presented by:
Opolinto, John Michael R.
BSN 301

Behavior Modification
An approach based on the
principles of operant
conditioning, that replaces
undesirable behaviors with more
desirable ones through positive
or negativereinforcement.

 It has been successfully used to

treat:
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder(OCD)
Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity
disorder(ADHD)
Phobias
Enuresis(bed-wetting)
Generalized anxiety

 Based on the principles of

operant conditioning, which
were developed by
AmericanbehavioristB. F.
Skinner(1904-1990)
Skinnerformulated the concept of
operant conditioning, through
which behavior could be shaped
by reinforcement or lack of it.

Behavior Modification
Therapy
the traditional term for the use of
empirically demonstratedbehavior
change techniquesto increase or
decrease the frequency of behaviors,
such as altering an individual's behaviors
and reactions to stimuli through positive
and negativereinforcementofadaptive
behaviorand/or the reduction of
behavior through itsextinction,
punishmentand/or satiation.

Behavioral Variables

A B

ANTECEDENT

BEHAVIOR

CONSEQUE
NCE

 An antecedent is an environmental or
physiological stimulus that precedes a behavior
(also called a discriminative stimulus)
A behavior (also called a response) is the target
behavior, or phenomenon of interest. A
behavior is anything the whole person does.
A consequence is an event that follows the
behavior. A consequence will increase or
decrease the probability of the behavior
occurring again in the presence of the same
antecedent

Increases Recurrence of
Behavior

Conditioning strengthening of
response by reinforcement
Positive reinforcement a stimulus
that will increase probability that a
behavior will recur
Negative reinforcement process of
removing stimulus from a situation
immediately after a behavior occurs,
which increases the probability of
behavior occurring

 Premack Principle Opportunity

to engage in an enjoying activity
can be used as reinforcer for
other behaviors that occur less
frequently
Shaping process of reinforcing
successive approximation of
responses to increase probability
of a behavior

Schedules of Reinforcement
These are the rules that specify how
often to provide a reinforcer in return
for performing a targeted behavior.
Different schedules of reinforcement
may affect the speed of learning,
increase the likelihood that a newly
learned behavior will be maintained,
or increase the resistance of a
behavior to extinction.

 Continuous reinforcement (CRF)

presentation of reinforcing stimuli
following each occurrence of selected
response.
Used primarily during initial phases
of conditioning or shaping a behavior

 Intermittent Reinforcement (or

Variable reinforcement) - use an
average number of target behaviors
for reinforcement, e.g. on an average
of X times the behavior is performed,
a reinforcer is given.
Reduces likelihood of extinction

Decreases Recurrence of
Behavior
Differential Reinforcement of other
Behavior (DRO) another behavior,
which is incompatible with target
behavior, can be reinforced.
Extinction gradual decrease in the
rate of responses when
reinforcement is no longer available

 Negative Consequence
presentation of an event immediately
following a response that decreases
probability of that response recurring
Withdrawing privileges as
consequence of acting-out behaviors
Could result in increase emotional or
aggressive behavior

 Time-Out a negative consequence

technique wherein person is removed
from a setting in which
ongoing reinforcers are
available

Skills Training
Utilized when behavioral responses
are not appropriate for persons age
and life situation
Example is assertiveness training,
wherein it is defined, described, and
compared with passive and
aggressive responses
Desired responses are modeled>,
and reinforcement is given when
appropriately demonstrated

Contingency Contracting
Arrangement of conditions wherein
patient can be able to participate in
setting target behaviors and
selecting reinforcers
Therapists and patients have joint
agreement on what, how, when, and
where behavioral change will occur

Self-Control
A program with contingency training
wherein the patient do the
assessment, change the behavior,
provide own reinforcement, and
evaluate results
Can be used with thought stopping,
when patients have automatic
negative thoughts

Thank you!
!