Behavior modification is a treatment approach that uses respondent and operant conditioning to change behavior.

While some therapies focus on changing thought processes that can affect behavior, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification focuses on changing specific behaviors with little consideration of a person’s thoughts or feelings. The progress and outcome of the intervention can be measured and evaluated.

Scientific principles such as operant and classical conditioning provide the basis for many behavior modification techniques. Operant conditioning, first developed by B.F. Skinner, demonstrates that behaviors can be strengthened or weakened through reinforcement or punishment.

In behavior modification, social learning techniques, such as modeling, role-playing, and vicarious reinforcement, can be used to teach new behaviors, improve social skills, and modify attitudes and beliefs. Behavior modification has been widely applied in various fields and settings to promote positive behavior change, including: