Is Punishment an Effective Behavior Modification Strategy in Children - Assignment Example

Is Punishment An Effective Behavior Modification Strategy In Children? Student’s Name: Institutional Affiliation: Date of Submission: Is Punishment An Effective Behavior Modification Strategy In Children? Abstract This paper will review the basic as well as the applied findings on punishment. The paper will also analyze the characteristics of responding during punishment and the many factors that come into play with basic processes when treating behavioral disorders among populations especially children. The paper will also look whether punishment is an effective tool of modifying behavior among children. In this case, the paper will weigh the positive results as well as the negative results that punishment carries with it. We are going to dig deep in order to understand the punishment processes which are needed to develop systematic, effective of behavior change and strategies for improving the efficiency procedures that are less intrusive for a treatment that is successful. Introduction Punishment has been used for a long time in behavior modification among adults and children alike. The use of punishment in modifying behavior is a technique that carries with it potential advantages and disadvantages. According to Lerman and Vorndran (2002), punishment is a technique used in modifying behavior basing on the principles of operant condition. Despite the varying definitions of stimuli, all the definitions narrow down to a narrow theme which is the imposition of an aversive stimulus when an unwanted behavior crops up. The theory of operant conditioning has BF Skinner as its proponent. BF Skinner’s works are modeled on Law of Effects by Thorndike. In operant conditioning, punishment as well as reinforcement is utilized in order to shape or modify behaviors. According to Skinner’s theory, punishment can lead to a decrease in behavior whereas reinforcement can increase behavior (Thorndike, 1911). In this case, in behavior modification, one ought to establish whether punishment will result in positive results or negative results. For instance, positive punishment can be exhibited by the use of water mist spray on the face of a person who shows unwanted behavior by speaking out sensitive or negative subjects. On the other hand, negative forms of punishment can be exhibited by response cost systems and the use of timeouts. Many parents choose to use physical punishment, for instance, beatings in order to eliminate an undesirable behavior. However, this method seems to carry with it certain drawbacks. For example, the beating will stop undesirable behavior only for a short period, but fails to teach a child to change the undesirable behavior (O'Donohue & Ferguson, 2006). In order to instill discipline in a child, one ought to teach him/her the fundamentals of identifying right and wrong. If a child fails to discern unacceptable behavior from ethical behavior, he/she would likely to return the old, bad behaviors. It is, however, worth noting that with time, physical punishment turns out to be less effective, and a child can become resistant to it or even behave aggressively. If it goes overboard, physical punishment may result in abuse of a child (Sanson, Montgomery, Gault, Gridley & Thomson, 1996). In this regard, other preferable modes of punishment ought to be employed in curbing undesirable behavior whenever it is possible. Changing a Child’s Behavior A child is expected to exhibit normal behavior in growth. This behavior is dependent on a child’s personality, age, and emotional as well as physical development. If a child’s behavior is disruptive or if it does not meet the societal expectations, it may be termed as problematic. Behavior that is normal is usually determined by its cultural, social and developmental appropriateness (Lieberman, 2000). A parent will determine a child’s behavior is normal if he/she knows what is expected of the child at each age. Children who exhibit negative behaviors call for remedies to rectify the inappropriate behaviors. The rectification ought to be done in a way that it will remain in the child for a long period of time. The methods that are preferable to each child can be identified in the child takes to it. There are a number of steps that responsible parties can take in order to change the behavior of a child. The parents should, however, be keen when it comes to handling disruptive behavior. They ought to bear in mind that behavior will be encouraged when it is rewarded and stooped when it is ignored. It should, however, be noted that consistency in reaction to behavior should be maintained to avoid confusing children (Lieberman, 2000). The following can help in rectifying the child’s behavior. First and foremost, it is paramount for a parent to make a decision on a child’s behavior as not problematic because it is appropriate to the child’s stage of development and age. Secondly, one ought to attempt to rectify the behavior by either punishing or ignoring it. Thirdly, an introduction of preferable behavior and reinforcing the same by rewarding it is recommended (Parcel & Menaghan, 1988). Reasons for Using Punishment in Modifying Behavior Despite the many criticisms that punishment has been accorded, the technique is still preferred by many people concerned with behavior change. Lerman and Vorndran (2002) assert that punishment is capable of effectively working over a long period and, therefore, can permanently change behavior. Research has also established that punishment can reduce the unwanted behaviors at a faster rate as opposed to reinforcement techniques (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Studies also indicate that the use of punishment as a technique to modify behavior may also encourage incidences of positive behaviors (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Moreover, using punishment to rectify behavior may also be considered vital when identification of reinforces is rendered difficult or when the identified reinforcers contributes to an already problematic behavior (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Reasons against the Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification The use of punishment to modify behavior has been advocated because it elicits aggression. Punishments are also dehumanizing and a shame to the individual who is punished (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Punishment also carries with it potential abuses either by therapists or caregivers administering the punishment. It is evident even in animals that when punishment is administered, they tend to become aggressive. For instance an angry dog can run wild on provocation and causing harm to those around it. Likewise this applies to human beings. This may create a situation that is dangerous not only to the caregivers but also to the other objects and people surrounding the person being punished. A number of incidences have it clear that the use of punishment to rectify malignant behavior may lead to other behaviors that are unwanted. Violation of code of ethics and common law may further act as a disadvantage of using punishment for behavior modification. This may be problematic when harsh forms of punishment are employed among the developmentally disabled people. Despite the controversies that surround punishment as a strategy for reducing behaviors that are unwanted, mental health practitioners advocate for its consideration. However, in my view, positive reinforcement are measures that can be best used to modify a behavior. A reward may go to the extent of making a child stick to a behavior that is desirable. These behaviors are in most cases instilled permanently in a child. Survey carried out on the impact of using of rewards to reinforce behavior can attest to its reliability. Nurturing the Desired Behavior Reward system has been applauded as the best way to encourage positive behavior. In this case, the children that exhibit inappropriate behavior can be made to realize that their behavior is not tolerated at any cost. Instead, they should be rewarded for their proper behaviors and made to last for a long time. It is worth noting that this works best in children who are above two years of age. Parents and other parties concerned with rectifying behavior are advised to exercise patience before they register any positive behavior in children since it can take considerable time (Larzelere, 2000). In the reward system, one chooses an undesired behavior that he or she intends to change. Bad behaviors among children include poor bedtime habits, picking up things, brushing teeth among others. The parent might change these destructive habits through a number of ways. For instance, poor bedtime habits can be rectified in children through proper rewards such as bedtime stories, or even delaying bedtime for a period of time through giving a snack. It is necessary also to explain the behavior that is desired and the reward to the child. For instance, one can set some conditions for a child in modifying behavior (Iwata & Michael, 1994). You can tell a child that if she or she wants stay an extra half an hour and watch a certain TV show; she/he should brush his teeth first. Failure to do what it is asked of him/her, the reward is not given. A child can be helped on certain occasions, but it is not advisable to get too much involved. Parental attention is necessary for children because children seem to pay more attention to it. Before making use of reward system first, parental attention is necessary. Having established that punishment is detrimental to an individual, the reward system tends to be a better technique for modifying behaviors. The reward system can make use of the following steps to shape behavior. First of all, one may ask a child to perform a task and set time for the completion of such a task. If the child beats the time, he/she gets a reward for it. In setting the time for completion of a task, one ought to decide on the best time that a child can take to perform a task and then add some few minutes. Secondly, one ought to come up with a good system of teaching appropriate behavior. In an effort to do so, one comes up with a short list behavior that are good and each time good behavior is noticed, the chart is marked with a star. On seeing a number of stars and gauging with the child’s age, the reward is administered. The chart can also be marked in a short time let us say a duration of an hour. Each time a positive behavior is noted in a child, then a mark is made on the chart. For instance if one notices a child is not fighting or picking up things, then he or she should make marks on the chart. The chart should also contain negative marks, and in the event that the negative marks are many than the positive ones, the reward is not given (Zill, 1990). Besides these steps, there are other measures that can be employed in ensuring that’s children behave in an appropriate manner. Making a list of the most important rules and taking the time to go through it with your child serves as one way of shaping a child’s behavior. In this case, situations that appear extreme will be avoided and, therefore, no power struggles (Bullock & Normad, 2006). Common sense ought to be brought into play in instances when one thinks that he/she has overreacted. In an effort to change behavior, one should understand and accept a child’s basic personality. Personality which involves shyness, being active, talkative among other traits can change with time, but not so much. A parent should avoid situations that will make a child tired, bored, or overtly stimulated. Criticizing the child’s behavior as bad, more so, in the presence of other people is not appropriate as it may lower the self esteem of the child. Instead, a child’s behavior should be praised when it is desirable. Conclusion In conclusion, as we have established in the above discussion, behavior modification is necessary in children with wayward behaviors. This research paper sought to find out whether punishment is an effective strategy in modification of behaviors in children. The paper has discussed the subject of punishment in order to establish whether it is an effective tool for shaping behavior in children. The presentation of the pros and cons of using punishment seem to indicate that the disadvantages seem to outweigh the advantages. It is with this reason that the paper provides an alternative method of modifying behavior, which is the reward system. This form of reinforcement seems to resonate well with many children (Strassber, Dodge & Pettit, 1994). This is because rewards, as opposed to punishment, positively reinforce behavior. The paper narrowed down to the steps an individual can apply in ensuring that the child behaves well. These steps should be applied in order to modify behavior that is inappropriate. Although punishment works at other times, it is not a recommended technique to apply in modification of behaviors. There is a need to further prod the subject of behavior modification is recommended in order to come up with tangible techniques for rectifying behavior. This is possible through further research on the subject to establish whether the use of punishment in children is appropriate or whether there are other alternative modes of correcting wayward behavior. References Bullock, C. & Normad, M. P. (2006). The effects of a high-probability instruction sequence and response-independent reinforcer delivery on child compliance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 495-499. Iwata, B. A. & Michael, J. L. (1994). Applied implications of theory and research on the nature of reinforcement. JABA, 27, 183-193. Larzelere, R. E. (2000). Child outcomes of nonabusive and customary physical punishment by parents: An updated literature review. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 3(4), 199-221. Lerman, D. C. & Vorndran, C. M. (2002). On the status of knowledge for using punishment: Implications for treating behavior disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 431-464. Lieberman, D. A. (2000). Punishment and Extinction. In Learning, behavior and cognition (3rd Ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning. O'Donohue, W. & Ferguson, K. E. (2006). Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology and Behavior Analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 7(3), 335–352. Parcel, T. L., & Menaghan, E. G. (1988). Measuring behavioral problems in a large cross- sectional survey: Reliability and validity for children of the NLS Youth. Columbus: Ohio State University, Department of Sociology. Sanson, A., Montgomery, B., Gault, U., Gridley, H., & Thomson, D. (1996). Punishment and behavior change: An Austrian Psychology society position paper. Australian Psychologist, 31, 157-165. Simons, R. L., Johnson, C., & Conger, R. D. (1994). Harsh corporal punishment versus quality of parental involvement as an explanation of adolescent maladjustment. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 56, 591-607. Strassberg, Z., Dodge, K. A. & Pettit, G. S. (1994). Spanking in the home and children's subsequent aggression toward kindergarten peers. Development and Psychopathology, 6, 445-461. Thorndike, E. L. (1911). Provisional Laws of Acquired Behavior or Learning: Animal Intelligence. New York, NY: The McMillan Company. Zill, N. (1990). Behavior Problems Index based on parent report. 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For example, the beating will stop undesirable behavior only for a short period, but fails to teach a child to change the undesirable behavior (O'Donohue & Ferguson, 2006). In order to instill discipline in a child, one ought to teach him/her the fundamentals of identifying right and wrong. If a child fails to discern unacceptable behavior from ethical behavior, he/she would likely to return the old, bad behaviors. It is, however, worth noting that with time, physical punishment turns out to be less effective, and a child can become resistant to it or even behave aggressively.

If it goes overboard, physical punishment may result in abuse of a child (Sanson, Montgomery, Gault, Gridley & Thomson, 1996). In this regard, other preferable modes of punishment ought to be employed in curbing undesirable behavior whenever it is possible. Changing a Child’s Behavior A child is expected to exhibit normal behavior in growth. This behavior is dependent on a child’s personality, age, and emotional as well as physical development. If a child’s behavior is disruptive or if it does not meet the societal expectations, it may be termed as problematic.

Behavior that is normal is usually determined by its cultural, social and developmental appropriateness (Lieberman, 2000). A parent will determine a child’s behavior is normal if he/she knows what is expected of the child at each age. Children who exhibit negative behaviors call for remedies to rectify the inappropriate behaviors. The rectification ought to be done in a way that it will remain in the child for a long period of time. The methods that are preferable to each child can be identified in the child takes to it.

There are a number of steps that responsible parties can take in order to change the behavior of a child. The parents should, however, be keen when it comes to handling disruptive behavior. They ought to bear in mind that behavior will be encouraged when it is rewarded and stooped when it is ignored. It should, however, be noted that consistency in reaction to behavior should be maintained to avoid confusing children (Lieberman, 2000). The following can help in rectifying the child’s behavior.

First and foremost, it is paramount for a parent to make a decision on a child’s behavior as not problematic because it is appropriate to the child’s stage of development and age. Secondly, one ought to attempt to rectify the behavior by either punishing or ignoring it. Thirdly, an introduction of preferable behavior and reinforcing the same by rewarding it is recommended (Parcel & Menaghan, 1988). Reasons for Using Punishment in Modifying Behavior Despite the many criticisms that punishment has been accorded, the technique is still preferred by many people concerned with behavior change.

Lerman and Vorndran (2002) assert that punishment is capable of effectively working over a long period and, therefore, can permanently change behavior. Research has also established that punishment can reduce the unwanted behaviors at a faster rate as opposed to reinforcement techniques (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Studies also indicate that the use of punishment as a technique to modify behavior may also encourage incidences of positive behaviors (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Moreover, using punishment to rectify behavior may also be considered vital when identification of reinforces is rendered difficult or when the identified reinforcers contributes to an already problematic behavior (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002).

Reasons against the Use of Punishment for Behavior Modification The use of punishment to modify behavior has been advocated because it elicits aggression. Punishments are also dehumanizing and a shame to the individual who is punished (Lerman & Vorndran, 2002). Punishment also carries with it potential abuses either by therapists or caregivers administering the punishment. It is evident even in animals that when punishment is administered, they tend to become aggressive. For instance an angry dog can run wild on provocation and causing harm to those around it.

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