Behavior Modification Therapy

By Amanda Shaw (New York, NY)

For a teen to exhibit some form of maladaptive behavior is not uncommon. Often, rebellious or unusual behavior is indicative of an underlying problem or disorder, ranging anywhere from depression to ADHD to OCD. As a parent, watching your child struggle to maintain grades, friendships, extracurricular activities, etc., due to problematic conduct can be painful and may lead to feelings of helplessness at times. Fortunately, effective treatment solutions are available, most notably, behavior modification therapy.

Behavior modification therapy originated in the early 1900s with the work of Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov when he established the principle of classical conditioning, centered upon the technique of using environmental stimuli to alter subsequent behavior, a concept which further developed in the writings of American psychologists John Watson and B.F. Skinner.

Although the tradition of behavior modification therapy is lengthy and nuanced, the method can largely focus on a patient achieving more favorable outcomes in life by targeting problematic sequences of behavior, often employing rewards and punishments to phase out negative behaviors. While the two branches of therapy share many similarities, behavior modification therapy is not to be confused with cognitive behavioral therapy, which is far more focused on identifying and altering negative thought patterns with the help of mental health professionals.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat various mental disorders, from depression to OCD to substance abuse disorders. In some cases, a treatment plan consisting of cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification therapy, and medication yields the most positive results.

The behavior modification model consists of four types of positive and negative reinforcements and punishments. Generally, reinforcement strategies aim to increase auspicious behaviors, while punishments aim to decrease or eliminate troubling behaviors.

Naturally, effective reinforcement and punishment techniques vary from person to person. The key to discovering the correct course of action lies in first identifying an inappropriate behavior, especially what triggers the behavior, how often it occurs, when/where it typically occurs, etc., to best understand the pattern of negative behavior. Only then can a system of reinforcement and punishments be decided upon to encourage an appropriate or desired behavior. In sum, a negative behavior must be observed, identified, and adequately treated before a positive behavior can develop and strengthen in its place.

Seeking Treatment

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, at least one in five individuals aged 9-17 years currently has a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes some degree of impairment. One in 10 has a disorder that causes significant impairment.

Signs of abnormal or dysfunctional behavior in teens vary but often include refusal to engage in any social activity, academic difficulty or failure, and risky behavior, such as the use of drugs or alcohol to cope. Sometimes, teens struggling with a behavioral disorder may express themselves aggressively or violently.

Abnormal psychology is an umbrella term that essentially refers to a deviation from the ideal state of mental health and includes a range of disorders, such as:^[1]

• • Anxiety disorders (ex. generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder)
• • Mood disorders (ex. depression, bipolar disorder)
• • Neurodevelopmental disorders (ex. learning disability, autism spectrum disability)
• • Neurocognitive disorders (ex. delirium)
• • Personality disorders (ex. borderline personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder)
• • Substance abuse related disorders

More generally, a teen’s behavior will be classified as abnormal if it directly violates social norms, naturally taking into account the degree to which the norm is violated and the sociocultural importance attached to that specific norm.

Most psychological disorders arise from a combination of nature and nurture. For example, a violent or traumatic upbringing and/or distorted or imbalanced brain chemistry may contribute to abnormal or dysfunctional behavior.

However, although nationwide nearly 7.7 million children and teens suffer from at least one treatable mental health disorder^[2], only around half are receiving treatment^[3], which is essential to prevent long-term issues which may last into adulthood if left unmitigated.

Behavior modification programs can be very effective for addressing teen issues. These programs will equip your teen with consistent and individualized tools for coping with negative behaviors and emotions in positive ways to eventually overcome dysfunctional habits and conduct.

Although, as a parent, it can be daunting to confront your child’s troubling and/or hurtful behaviors, you do not need to take on the task alone. The sooner you reach out for a professional opinion, the sooner your teen’s situation may be evaluated and successfully treated.

About the Author:  Amanda F. Shaw is a graduate with Honors from New York University, majoring in Journalism and English and a minor in Political Science. She was Managing Editor of English and Drama Review at NYU and Copyeditor of Washington Square News.  She writes periodically for Exceed Marketing Solutions.