A List of Tips for Behavior Management

Behavior management can be used by parents and professionals to decrease the presence of unwanted behavior. Using a combination of negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement, extinction and punishment, you can alter the behavior of others to produce positive outcomes. Try a combination of these techniques to help pinpoint the best plan of action on a case-by-case basis.

Positive Reinforcement

• Positive reinforcement is an effective way to decrease the unwanted behavior of an individual. If an individual acts in a way that is not appropriate, choose to ignore his behavior and only give him attention when his actions are positive and appropriate for the given situation. This helps teach him that only those actions that are beneficial receive attention.

Negative Reinforcement

• Negative reinforcement is an effective way to lessen the amount of negative or unwanted behavior. Negative reinforcement is done by removing something that must used in order to engage in the negative behavior. In a professional setting, relieving employees of projects because of their inability to meet deadlines can help reinforce the negatives associated with not being on time with work-related goals.

Punishment

• Punishment can be used to lessen unwanted behavior, and it is done by enacting a form of negative reinforcement every time a negative or unwanted behavior occurs. With children, this could include placing them in time out or denying them playtime outside.

Shaping

• Shaping is a gradual procedure used to help lessen the amount of negative behavior over a period of time. If an individual is making small strides toward correcting a behavior, you can help encourage and increase her success by rewarding her each time she performs the target behavior. This can be especially helpful when trying to teach children how to complete tasks such as chores or homework, and it also can be used to reinforce positive work habits in corporate settings.