Behavior Modification Treatment Plans

Behavior modification treatment plans are designed for people who repeatedly engage in inappropriate behavior, or you want to encourage good behavior. Behavior modification was originally discovered more than 100 years ago by Ivan Pavlov, who realized that he could make dogs continually come to when he rang a bell by enforcing their behavior with a treat. Eventually the dogs would come whenever they heard a bell.

Behavioral Changes

• A person's behavior must first be examined to pinpoint exactly what it is that needs to be changed. This could entail helping a child, who acts out violently to control his bad temper, or steering an adult away from destructive behavior like alcoholism. Behavior modification treatment plans should not be entered into lightly, and should be used only for when behavior is truly disruptive.

Behavioral Plan

• Rules and limits then must be outlined in a behavioral modification treatment plan. Like Pavlov deciding that he wanted his dogs to come to him, decide what the end result of the modification plan should be. If the goal is to stop a child's bad temper, then initiate a plan that gives him three warnings before he must deal with the consequences. Or, good behavior can be reinforced by offering her a reward every time she responds to a situation calmly.

Consequences and Rewards

• Consequences and rewards are the tools to achieving behavior modification success. Choose consequences that really make the person feel a sense of loss. For instance, for a child who loses his temper, after three strikes privileges such as field trips or recess breaks can be taken away. If an adult engages in unacceptable behavior, he must apologize or make amends. To encourage good behavior, reward it. This could involved giving a child stars to receive a special prize, or giving an adult more responsibility and trust. Developing and strengthening a program of the consequences and rewards will result in modified behavior.