behavior modification

behavior modification

n.

1. The use of basic learning techniques, such as conditioning, biofeedback, reinforcement, or aversion therapy, to alter human behavior.

2. See behavior therapy.

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behavior modifier n.

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behavior modification

The alteration of human behavior using basic learning techniques such as biofeedback and positive or negative reinforcement (as in rewards and punishments).

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

behavior modification - psychotherapy that seeks to extinguish or inhibit abnormal or maladaptive behavior by reinforcing desired behavior and extinguishing undesired behavior behavior therapy psychotherapy - the treatment of mental or emotional problems by psychological means assertiveness training - a method of psychotherapy that reinforces you for stating negative and positive feelings directly aversion therapy - any technique of behavior modification that uses unpleasant stimuli in a controlled fashion to alter behavior in a therapeutic way; primarily used for alcoholism or drug abuse (but with little success) desensitisation procedure, desensitisation technique, desensitization procedure, desensitization technique, systematic desensitisation, systematic desensitization - a technique used in behavior therapy to treat phobias and other behavior problems involving anxiety; client is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished flooding, implosion therapy - a technique used in behavior therapy; client is flooded with experiences of a particular kind until becoming either averse to them or numbed to them reciprocal inhibition, reciprocal-inhibition therapy - a method of behavior therapy based on the inhibition of one response by the occurrence of another response that is mutually incompatible with it; a relaxation response might be conditioned to a stimulus that previously evoked anxiety token economy - a form of behavior therapy that has been used in some mental institutions; patients are rewarded with tokens for appropriate behavior and the tokens may be cashed in for valued rewards