Issue 30: Behavioral and Interpersonal Techniques for Improving Children’s and Teens’ Behavior and Well-Being | Steve Hoersting

Supporting healthy development in children and adolescents involves both behavioral and interpersonal strategies to promote positive change and well-being. Parents, caregivers, and professionals can use evidence-based methods to strengthen executive functions, manage anxiety, and build healthier relationships.

With over 40 years of experience addressing these issues, I have seen the field evolve beyond BF Skinner’s behavioral techniques to include more complex approaches that account for attitudes and thought processes. Incorporating these concepts is critical for professionals and beneficial for parents and caregivers seeking effective results.

With over 40 years of experience addressing these issues, I have seen the field evolve beyond BF Skinner’s behavioral techniques to include more complex approaches that account for attitudes and thought processes.

Understanding Behavior Modification at Home and in Professional Settings

Behavior modification uses interventions to promote positive behaviors and decrease negative ones. Parents set clear rules and reward good behavior at home, while therapists and educators create tailored programs in professional settings.

Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of behavior modification. It involves providing rewards or praise immediately after desired behaviors, including approximations of those behaviors, which strengthens the likelihood that those behaviors will be repeated. Techniques such as antecedent adjustment (changing triggers for behavior), behavioral contracts (written agreements outlining expectations and rewards), modeling (demonstrating desired behaviors), and shaping (reinforcing small steps toward a complex behavior) are commonly used to teach and reinforce new skills.