Adaptations and Behavioral Management Techniques

Behavior management --- which encompasses behavior modification in not only adults and children, but in animals as well --- is not to be confused with behavior therapy, which only focuses on maintaining order. Simply put, behavioral management and its adaptations are designed to purge unbecoming behavior and encourage, or rather reinforce, appropriate and acceptable behavior. As such, behavioral management needs to be followed with strict guidelines and accountability.

Posistive and Negative Reinforcment

• Separate the good and the bad.

  Positive reinforcement works when an object or need is provided with positive reoccurring behavior thereby encouraging such performance. Ignoring a dog when its barking only to give it a treat when it stops is positive reinforcement, However, the opposite is true in that negative reinforcement can also be utilized to strengthen behavior with the removal a adverse event. This is not punishment, but more the avoidance of an event that one does not desire. A practical example of this is a irritating noise inside a car going off if the driver doesn't put on the seat belt. The noise is the negative effect the compels the driver to buckle up.

Internal Capacity

• Know your right from wrong.

  Another approach developed by Carol Rodgers theorizes that in order for someone's behavior to really change, the change must come from within. This means that instead of actually trying to modify behavior through external stimuli, the concepts of right and wrong must be ingrained into the conscious state of mind --- not just teaching what to do right, but why we should do what is right, emphasizes appropriate behavior.

Guidelines

• Set the rules firmly.

  Following guidelines is critical to developing proper behavior management. Depending on the severity of the case, the strictness of the guidelines must be set forth in the beginning of the sessions and never waived. In doing so, structure to those in session becomes a tangible concept rather than a irritating idea. Keeping with the guidelines is critical in sessions with more than one person, or in an educating setting with a larger group of children.

Group Settings.

• Get invloved.in a like minded group.

  Behavior management can more often than not be just as effective in a group settings as in one-on-one counseling. For example, in any type of dependency-type settings, whether it be drugs, food or alcohol, people look for support from others with similar problems to help change their actions. The reinforcement from the group can help those who struggle to find confidence on their own. It does not have to be in a designated group setting; however, it is useful when others hold you accountable if you fail to remain a part of the group.