Operant Conditioning

Operant conditioning is the framework from which behavior modification techniques are developed, according to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. First introduced in 1938 by an American psychologist named B. F. Skinner, operant conditioning involves methods for shaping and extinguishing patterns of behavior. Techniques used apply reinforcement models as to bring about the behavior-change process. B. F. Skinner described his theory in a book written in 1938 entitled "The Behavior of Organisms", where techniques were applied to effect change in both human and animal behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the conditioning techniques used in the behavior modification approach, according to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. It works by setting up a system of rewards designed to encourage new desirable behaviors. An example of this would be rewarding a demanding child every time she uses the word "please" when asking for something. A reward can be something as simple as a hug and is typically designed to fit within the context of the interaction. It's not uncommon for a therapist to set up an agreed upon reward system with a client and draw up a set of terms in an actual contract.

Negaitve Reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is another conditioning technique that's used to eliminate undesirable behaviors, according to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. This form involves the use of an aversive stimulus or punishment whenever an undesirable behavior is carried out. The technique works to discourage undesirable behaviors by setting up a negative association between the behavior and the resulting consequence within a person's behavioral/mental repertoire. An example of this might be to place a picture of an overweight version of oneself on the refrigerator to discourage excess eating.

Extinction

Extinction is a third behavioral technique used within behavioral modification approaches. Rather than using a reinforcement model, extinction draws attention to the expected response that a particular behavior brings out in others, or within the surrounding environment. In effect, the expected response acts as a reward and works to promote the existing behavior, according to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. By removing the expected response on a consistent continuous basis, the behavior dies out in its own time.

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