Case Study- Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification entails the utilization of a set of learning techniques in the rehabilitation of an individual or to alter certain aspects of their behavior that is considered inappropriate. Such learning techniques utilizable in behavior modification include aversion therapy, hypnosis, conditioning, and reinforcement, among others. Behavioral modification aims to lead an individual towards the required change. This discussion seeks to analyze how behavioral modification tools can be utilized in helping 10-year-old Marcy and her parents bring the change that her mother so desires.
In this case study, Marcy’s mother is concerned that Marcy’s behavior of stealing food might be a contributory factor to Marcy’s poor disease progress. The desirable action, in this case, is for Marcy to stop stealing food. Various behavioral modification tools can be utilized to navigate this case. The first tool is punishment. This behavior modification will require that Marcy’s mother pairs unpleasant actions or stimuli to her behavior. Such actions are targeted at weaning her off the unpleasant behavior. In this case, the mother may decide to pick a form of punishment that she imposes whenever Marcy repeats that action.
The mother may as well utilize flooding as a tool to wean her off her actions. This involves subjecting the child to situations or actions that invoke fear in her (Schroeder, 2017). This may be in the form of telling her that if she steals food, her disease situation will worsen, and she may get seriously ill. The fear of getting ill may be sufficient to make Marcy question her actions and retrieve them from them. Positive reinforcement may also prove beneficial. This entails pairing a behavior with a favorable stimulus (Vijayalakshmi, 2019). Marcy’s mother may offer incentives such as gifts to her when she stops stealing. This action is targeted at making Marcy preferentially go for the gift at the expense of her stealing action. All these tools could be used in the rehabilitation of Marcy’s action synergistically.
Behavioral modification tools have successfully been used in the rehabilitation of unpleasant behaviors. Appropriate tool selection ensures that the rehabilitation process attains success. These tools include flooding, punishment, and positive reinforcement, among others. These tools vary in their implementation and strategies, and their synergistic use often ensures better outcomes.
References
Schroeder, J. (2017). Behavioral Modification. Advanced Persistent Training, 17-23. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4842-2835-7_3
Vijayalakshmi, N. (2019). Behavior Modification Techniques – An Awareness Study. Shanlax International Journal Of Education, 7(2), 20-24. DOI: 10.34293/
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After reading all the chapters on behavior modification, how would you work on the following case?
Remember to use references and paraphrasing skills. Plagiarism is not tolerated.
The paper must be at least one page long, Times New Roman 12, and double-spaced.
At your office, 10-year-old Marcy arrives with her mother. She is a type 1 diabetic. She is referred to your office because Marcy is stealing food. The mother finds the wrappers under her bed, her brother’s bed, and inside her shoes. The mother is desperate because her sugar levels are being affected. How would you help the parent and child by providing tools for behavior modification?
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