Behavior modification is a treatment approach that is based on the principles of operant conditioning. It uses positive and negative reinforcements to replace unwanted behaviors with more wanted ones. Positive reinforcement is used to increase behaviors by presenting positive stimuli. A positive reinforcement strengths the behavior. Negative reinforcement increases behaviors by stopping or reducing negative stimuli. A negative reinforcements is something that, when removed after a response, it strengthens a response. Punishments are also used in behavior modification. A punishment is an event that decreases the behavior that it follows. Behavior modification is used to treat a variety of problems in children and adults.
