Techniques of Behavior Modification

Behavior modification is an extremely popular therapeutic technique. Many behavior modification techniques are based heavily on learning theories such as classical conditioning or operant conditioning. These therapies are popular for their wide range of ability, options and ease of use. Moreover, these techniques can be useful for clinicians, teachers and parents alike.

Systematic Desensitization

• Therapeutic technique typically used to treat phobias. This process teaches relaxation techniques in conjunction with progressive, graduated exposure to the feared stimulus.

Modeling

• Modeling is a therapeutic technique based on observational learning. Behaviors are modeled to an individual allowing the person to see and recreate the modeled behavior. Therapy is excellent for treatment of phobias.

Aversion Therapy

• Therapy when an extremely averse stimulus, either shocks or nausea-inducing drugs, are presented after behaviors. This lessens chances behaviors will occur in the future as they will be associated with the undesirable stimulus.

Punishment

• Punishment is a conditioning technique that lessens the chance a behavior will occur in the future through either the removal of something desirable or presentation of something undesirable after the behavior occurs.

Reinforcement

• A cause and effect type of therapy in which the individual is presented with something desirable after performing a behavior. This reward strengthens the chance the behavior will occur again.