behavior modification

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. the direct changing of unwanted behavior by means of biofeedback or conditioning.

---

behavior modification Scientific  

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

---

behavior modification Cultural  

1. The changing of a person's reactions to certain situations or stimuli. Behavior therapy, a form of psychotherapy advocated in behaviorism, uses a variety of methods, such as assertiveness training, conditioned response, and hypnosis, to change unsatisfactory or deviant patterns of behavior.

---

Etymology

Origin of behavior modification

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Advertising — which is essentially a behavior modification tool designed to get us to buy more and more products — has helped spread consumerism across the world.

From Salon

She added that she is entirely opposed to "the use of punishment to treat aggression in dogs," and says that "force-free behavior modification" is frequently very successful in treating aggression.

From Salon

“If obesity is perceived as a consequence of behavior, then it’s going to be only treated with behavior modification, and less likely to be treated with medications or bariatric surgery,” says Dietz.

From Washington Post

A behavior modification plan accompanying the use of medication can help manage this problem.

From Salon

“But the numbers are good enough to tell us what to do” — social distancing, behavior modification — “even if they are underestimated.”

From Los Angeles Times