Behavioral modification

A treatment model called behavior modification is done by using an experience or observation that demonstrate changing behaviour techniques which are said to improve a persons behavior.   This can be achieved by altering a person’s behavior by using a stimuli and the person’s reaction to this stimuli and also by using negative and positive reinforcement for adaptive behavior.  Therapy methods can also include reducing maladaptive behavior by using punishment, but can also be considered therapy by some.

The first person recorded as using the terminology behaviorial modification was Edward Thorndike in 1911.  In more recent years, the idea of punishing a person has received much criticism, although those criticisms tend not to refer to any negative type punishments such as time-out and more often apply to a disgusting event of some type. 

Martin and Pear say that there are seven characteristics to behavior modification.  Those seven characteristics are:

•    A strong accent in order to define problems in terms of behavior, which can somehow be measured.

•    Using treatment techniques, which alter a person’s current environment, which allow the person to function more effectively.


•    The rationales and methods can be precisely described.


•    The techniques are most often applied to everyday life situations.


•    The techniques are mostly based on various principals of learning- most specifically respondent and operant conditioning.


•    A strong emphasis on a scientific demo that the specific method was the cause of that particular change in behavior.


•    A strong emphasis of responsibility for all involved in a behavior modification program.


Note:   The text found above is for information purposes only.   Drug Rehab Services does not believe that addiction can be cured with behavioral modification therapy and doesn’t refer anyone to use this type of therapy.