Transcript Behavioral Modification

Behavioral Modification
Presented by:
Molly Blum, Abram Figueroa,
Joseph Wettstein, Emily Yen
What are common problematic
behaviors that effect college students?
- Poor Diet
- Leg Shaking & Nail biting
- Caffeine
- Drinking & Smoking
- Procrastination
What is Behavior Modification?
Behavior modification is based on the
principles of operant conditioning
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A technique to improve one’s behavior
By Altering an individuals behaviors & reactions to
stimuli through positive and negative reinforcement
In Result: it replaces undesirable behaviors are
replaced more desirable ones
Focus on lifestyle improvements
(stress prone personalities, addiction, behavioral addiction, etc.)
Behavior
Personality is made from 3 factors:
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Values: (Core)
Abstract constructs of importance
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Attitudes:
perceptions based on values
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Behaviors:
Conscious & unconscious actions based on
perception
Background on Behavioral
Modification
Classical Conditioning- Ivan Pavlov
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behavior can come from deep roots, which
may take years to unlearn
Stimulus coupled with
physiological response:
Research w/ dogs=
animals were conditioned
to certain stimuli (bells)
Operant Conditioning- B.F. Skinner
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Behaviors are made from conscious decision
 through rewards and punishment:
Positive behavior is reinforced= repeated
Bad behavior is disciplined= not favored
Modeling: a behavior learned through
imitation
 A child imitates their
parents
- differs from other
models because there
is no direct
reinforcement
involved
Does it work?
How many of you
guys think that it is
possible to be trained
by your girlfriends?
How many girls think
they can train their
boyfriends?
Yes it is possible, although both sexes can
do both. This is called Operant
Conditioning
Operate conditioning: is simply reinforcing
behavior with positive or negative
reinforcement.
Evidence (Research)
Journal Article:
“Eliminating Stealing:
Use of Stimulus control with an
Elementary Student”
By: Howard S. Rosen, Alison Rosen
The Study
Purpose of the Studyto stop stealing behavior of a 7yr. old boy
Participants- 1 boy 7yrs old
How study was conductedBaseline:
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all boy’s objects were marked with a green
circle
He was checked up on every 15 min for
unmarked items
No feedback given during baseline
Points and Fines1
What did the participant do?
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A stealing problem
What was found- boy stole less and less
What are the limitations of the study
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highly controlled area
Only positive reinforcement
Single subject & age
What do the implications of the
study mean to you?
Effectiveness of behavior modification
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Using positive/ negative reinforcement
The Behavior Modification Model
Precursor: Denial
Awareness
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You realize that you actually think or behave in a way that is
unhealthy or less than ideal
Desire to Change
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No change will occur without a desire to stop or change a bad
behavior, even when it become obvious how damaging it
might be.
Cognitive Restructuring
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You catch yourself in the act of an undersirable behavior and
think of a new and suitable alternative.
Behavioral Substitution
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An undesirable behavior is consciously replaced with a healthy
or stress-reducing behavior.
Evaluation
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Analyze whether or not the new behavior worked and figure
out what can be done to fine-tune this process when the
occasion arises again
Individual Activity
Follow steps to initiate Behavior Modification
1. What is one undesirable behavior that
you are aware that you do?
2. Ask yourself how motivated you are to
change this behavior. (As with any
change there will be sacrifice involved.)
Ask yourself if the costs will outweigh the
benefits.
3. What changes in your perceptions and attitudes
must accompany this behavioral change?
4. What new behavior do you wish to adopt to
replace the old behavior? (It is best to think
positively for example “I would like to show up
on time”
Instead of negatively “I don’t want to be late”.
5. After trying the new behavior, ask yourself how
you did. Was your first or second attempt
successful? Why or why not? If not, what other
approach can you take to accomplish your goal?
How to Measure Success?
Ask yourself these question:
Commitment Success:
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Did I address the problematic behavior
directly?
Did I stick to the program?
Did I make excuses for myself?
Did I let myself slide?
How to Measure Success?
Ask yourself these question:
Program Design Success:
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Did I follow the BM Model?
Did my restructuring alternatives work?
Were they simple enough?
Was I able to curb the non-negative behavior?
How to Measure Success?
Ask yourself these question:
Lasting Success:
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Was I able to change my patterns of behavior
from a negative to a positive one?
Will my behaviors resume once I am exposed
to the same stimuli or once I stop actively
suppress it?
Do I understand the causes of my unhealthy
behaviors?
BM Tips and Tricks
Define the unhealthy behavior in as clear
terms as possible.
Keep It Simple.
Be Committed…Be Prepared for Difficulty.
Positive vs Negative Conditioning.
Behavioral Substitution: A step not to be
forgotten.
BM Tips and Tricks
Limit your expectations.
Observe Yourself Properly…Record your
Observations.
Note the Contributing Factors to Behavior:
What Leads Up to It.
Use in Conjunction with other PS’s and
SMT’s
In Conclusion:
***Behavior Modification Model***
Precursor: Denial
1. Awareness
2. Desire to Change
3. Cognitive Restructuring
4. Behavior Substitution
5. Evaluation
Behavior Modification Model
An Easy Way to Remember…
All Disciplined Children Behave Excellently!
Awareness
Desire to Change
Cognitive Restructuring
Behavioral Substitution
Evaluation