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What is a True 'Behavior Modification' Process?
by Nora J. Baladerian, Ph.D. Many years ago, B.F. Skinner, a psychologist, developed a philosophy about influencing the behavior of children which was later applied to anyone, including oneself, to change any behavior. Initially the idea was to inculcate positive behaviors into children and to eliminate negative behaviors. He discovered that behaviors are repeated more often and with more vigor when they receive an immediate and strong emotional response from others, particularly others important to the person. One unique example, is when a child is in a room filled with adults and stands on a coffee table or chair and performs some proscribed act such as using bad words, people tend to laugh and pay a great deal of attention, thus, using Skinner’s language, “reinforcing” the behavior. In other words, the very positive response of enjoyment displayed directly and immediately to the behavior, will likely inspire repetitions of the behavior. He also discovered that when any behavior is completely ignored, it is not likely to be repeated. He determined to research this, and found that most children receive most attention immediately after doing something the parents do not want him to do. Thus, the child is rewarded with attention. He found that the children did not respond so much to a differentiation of negative and positive behavior (yelling or spanking versus exuberant praise or hugging) as much as a differentiation between no attention and some attention. How interesting. Further, he learned that a simple diagram could explain his findings:
In other words, there are only 4 types of immediate response to a behavior. One can give (or respond) in a negative or positive fashion, or one can respond (or give) in a negative way. Examples are in the table above. Using the numbers in the boxes, he found that the least powerful method of achieving a long term change in behavior was #4, responding in a negative way. He found that the most positive, #1, was responding in a positive way. Further, he had observed that most parents primarily use method #4 while almost never using method #1. His teachings, thus, encouraged parents to “catch their child in the act of doing the desired behavior” and responding immediately and enthusiastically. Further, they were to give no attention or emotional response to any negative behaviors. The results were astounding. In addition to the learning the children demonstrated, were happier parents, happier children, and overall better relationships between them. Parents were amazed that it was “so simple”. Since the time of Skinner, many more factors in changing the behavior of others have been identified, but basics remain the same. Of course, with older children, peers, couples and work associates, it is best to have an explicit understanding of the desired and undesired behaviors, and both parties should be working towards the same outcomes. These methods are also used in weight management and other behavior focused treatment programs. Programs that utilize negative consequences for undesired behaviors, or who allow punishments of any kind, are not using behavior modification techniques. They may have borrowed or misunderstood or misused the term behavior modification, as it certainly does not include anything that approximates or could be called punishment. It is widely recognized that the only reason to use punishment is for cruelty. Punishment is not teaching, it is not behavior modification. Punishment is clearly not effective in doing anything other than forcing a temporary compliance due to fear of further maltreatment. Sometimes people misconstrue the word punishment and think it is the same as discipline. It is not. Discipline comes from the root word disciple, which is a follower or student. The Master teaches the disciple, through example, experience or explanation. The teacher knows the most effective of these is personal experience, next is example, and the least effective is explanation. However, explanation is the most commonly used method of teaching. I find that quite ironic! Using the least effective method as the primary mode of teaching, then coupling that with punishment, the least effective method of causing a change! Thus, I believe that it is of critical importance for parents of children who are having a difficult time at home, school, work, or in the community to understand these principles, so that when they are seeking help, their information base is strong and accurate. They want to help their children be safe, to learn how to be responsible and safe adults. This is best done in a positive and supportive environment in which they can learn through positive experiences which are received by others with positive and enthusiastic support Of course there are many other things parents do to help assure that their children grow up “right”, primarily spending positive time with them, lots of time, dinner time, after dinner, helping with homework, reading with them at night. And, lots of time listening to them, showing respect for who they are becoming, thus earning their respect as they mature. Listening to one another and talking things out, engaging in problems solving efforts together, help to build bridges to growth and understanding while the child is learning who s/he is in this very complex world. When communications break down, it really is time to seek outside help to rebuild the communication within the family. Where there has been abuse and maltreatment, this will be even more difficult, as respect will have been damaged., Yet, where there is a will within the family to recognize and accept responsibility for all that has gone on, there is still a foundation upon which to build positive relationships. So, it is all about much more than “behavior”. It is about relationships, love, communication, caring, honesty, integrity, mutual support. It is about using the words as well as the actions that show the strong bonds of love that seem to have been weakened over the months or years of conflict. I hope this essay will provide some light on the topic, and help parents and others seeking positive change for their family. | ||||||||||