Behaviour modification in custody

• Behavior modification is a form of therapy used in prisons to change offenders’ behavior. The approach is based on operant conditioning, where desired behaviors are reinforced and undesirable behaviors are punished. The aim is to increase obedience and decrease disobedience.
• Token economies are systems in which inmates are given tokens for exhibiting desired behaviours.

  • These tokens act as secondary reinforcers and can later be exchanged for rewards (primary reinforcers), such as extra recreation time, more privileges, or food items.
  • The system is structured and encourages prisoners to behave appropriately to earn these rewards, motivating them to change their behavior.
• Punishment in behaviour modification refers to the withdrawal of privileges or the imposition of additional restrictions to discourage undesirable behaviours, such as aggression, non-compliance, or disrespect towards staff.

  • This method works on the principle of negative reinforcement, where an unpleasant consequence follows the unwanted behaviour, to reduce that behaviour.