Behavioral Modification Presented by Molly Blum Abram Figueroa

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 n n 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: n Values: (Core) Abstract constructs of importance n Attitudes: perceptions based on values n Behaviors: Conscious & unconscious actions based on perception

Background on Behavioral Modification Classical Conditioning- Ivan Pavlov n n n 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 n n - 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 7 yr. old boy Participants- 1 boy 7 yrs old How study was conducted. Baseline: n n n 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 Fines 1 What did the participant do? n A stealing problem What was found- boy stole less and less What are the limitations of the study n n n highly controlled area Only positive reinforcement Single subject & age

What do the implications of the study mean to you? Effectiveness of behavior modification n Using positive/ negative reinforcement

The Behavior Modification Model Precursor: Denial Awareness n You realize that you actually think or behave in a way that is unhealthy or less than ideal Desire to Change n 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 n You catch yourself in the act of an undersirable behavior and think of a new and suitable alternative. Behavioral Substitution n An undesirable behavior is consciously replaced with a healthy or stress-reducing behavior. Evaluation n 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: n n 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: n n 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: n n n 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