Behavior modification is a cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment technique. It developed from the model of operant conditioning. The goal of behavior modification is to shape a child or adolescent’s negative behavior into something more desirable.  The focus of behavior modification may be on increasing positive behaviors and/or decreasing unwanted behaviors.

Components of Behavior Modification

Parent training is a main component of behavior modification. With the therapist, parents learn how to do the following:

• Identify the target behavior: this is the behavior we want to change (either increase or decrease)
• Assess the behavior: look at the consequences of the target behavior
• Develop a plan: use positive reinforcement techniques to increase a desired behavior and negative reinforcement to reduce undesired behavior
• Evaluate the plan: use a metric, graph, chart to measure and evaluate how well the reinforcement strategies work

An example of a target behavior is lying about homework completion.  The consequences of that behavior include losing trust with authority figures (parents, teachers, etc.), getting a poor grade, possibly losing out on privileges at school to complete work during free time.  A plan for this example likely includes communication with the teacher and could look like the following:

• Child and parent sit down daily after school to review homework, or online grade system
• Teacher sends communication to parent (via text, email, shared online document, etc.) to inform about any missed/incomplete work
• Child explains what they completed and what homework is incomplete
• Parent confirms with note/communication from teacher
• If child is honest, they earn 30 minutes screen time (positive reinforcement)
• If child is dishonest, they sit with parent until work is completed (thus losing free time/independent time); once work is completed, parent commends child for completing work (positive reinforcement), parent/child go about usual after-school routine (negative reinforcement)
• A built in measurement/evaluation system for this example is the grades on homework and in class

Considerations for Behavior Modification

A key component for success to this type of treatment is consistency in following through with the plan. When inconsistent with following the plan, the child is more willing to risk that they won’t be held accountable; thus decreasing the changes of displaying the desired behaviors.  Therefore, any caretakers involved in the plan need to understand the goal and willingly implement the plan. Understandably, behaviors that have been happening for quite some time will be more difficult to change. This can help keep realistic timelines in mind when expecting desired results.