Behavior modification
- This article is about the behavioralist technique. For the Cognitive therapy, see behavior therapy
Behavior Modification is a technique of altering an individuals reactions to stimuli thru [[positive reinforcement and the Extinction (psychology) of maladaptive behavior.
Founded in behavioralism, but long since used by many psychotherapists, parents, and caretakers of the disabled, without any underlying behavioralist philosophy. It involves the most basic of methods to alter human behavior, such as reward and punishment, aversion therapy, reinforcement, and even biofeedback.
Analysis of the patients thoughts are not required, but many non-behavioralists feel the therapy can be powerfully improved with such cognitive analysis. Punishment is also frowned upon in non-behavioralist contexts, with Extinction (psychology) of conditional reflexes often in its place.