Behaviour modification

• Behaviour modification – an application of the behaviourist approach to treatment (such as the management of offenders in penal institutions). It is based on the principles of operant conditioning. The general aim is to replace undesirable behaviours with more desirable ones through the selective use of positive and/or negative reinforcement (e.g. token economies)
• Behaviourist principles/approach

  Undesirable behaviours can be unlearned.

  The behaviourist approach proposes that behaviour is learned therefore it should be possible to unlearn behaviour using the same principles.

  Behaviour modification programmes are designed with the aim of reinforcing obedient behaviour whilst punishing obedience in the hope that it dies out (becomes extinct)
• Tokens given to reinforce desirable behaviour.

  Token economy systems are managed by prison staff to modify the behaviour of inmates.

  It is based on operant conditioning – desirable inmate behaviours are rewarded (reinforced) with tokens.

  Within a prison desirable behaviour may include; avoiding confrontation, following prison rules, keeping ones cell orderly.
• Token economies Each of these behaviours & rewards would be made clear to the  prisoners before the programme is implemented. It would also be emphasised that non-compliance/disobedience would result in tokens and associated privileges being withheld or removed as a form of punishment.
• Tokens can be exchanges

  Tokens are not rewarding in themselves but rewarding because they can be exchanged for something desirable à they derive value from their association with a reward = secondary reinforcers. The subsequent reward will vary according to the institution, but may include exchanging tokens for a phone call to a loved one, time in the gym or exercise yard, extra cigarettes or food (primary reinforcers because they are directly rewarding)
• Desirable behaviours are broken down into increments

  Operationalise target behaviours – In a TE a target behaviour is operationalised by breaking it down into component parts. E.g. target behaviour may be improved interaction with other prison inmates à may be broken down into not touching another prisoner when you pass them, speaking politely to others etc. These units of behaviour should be objective and measurable & agreed with prison staff and inmates in advance.
• Scoring system – staff & prisoners should be made aware of how much each particular behaviour is worth. Behaviours are hierarchical – some are regarded more demanding than others – so receive greater rewards. E.g. working co-operatively within a group would be awarded more tokens than not swearing. Some TE systems award points which are then converted to tokens others award tokens directly. Gendreau et al 2011 recommended reinforcements should outnumber punishments 4:1 ratio.
• Train staff – prison staff must selectively reinforce the identified behaviours. 

  Important that prison staff are all given full training in order to implement TE’s successfully. Aim is to standardise the procedures so all prison staff = rewarding same behaviour in the same way

  All of those that come into contact with offenders must follow the same regime of selective reinforcement.

  So if the prison staff decide to give tokens for a tidy room then they all must do this consistently and not give tokens if the prisoners room doesn’t meet the standard.
• One +ve of BM = research support

  Hobbs + Holt 1976 introduced a token economy programme with groups of young offenders across 3 behavioural units (and a 4th unit acted as a control). They observed a significant difference in +ve behaviour compared to the non-token economy group.
• One +ve of BM = research support - Field 2004 found a token economy programme used with young people with behavioural problems was generally effective, although there were still a number of young people who did not respond. Later these youths were placed on a special programmes where the rewards were more immediate + more frequent + the results were more +ve. This suggests that token economy systems do work.
• However, the success of such system does depend on a consistent approach from prison staff. Basset and Blanchard 1977 found any benefits were lost if staff applied the techniques inconsistently. According to the researchers, this was due to factors such as a lack of appropriate staff training or high staff turnover (happens in a lot of UK prisons). This suggests that behaviour modification schemes must ensure full and consistent staff participation if they are to work
• Another +Ve of BM is that it is straightforward to set up in custody.

  The appeal of BM (TE) rests largely upon the ease with which it can be administered. There is no need for a specialist professional to be involved as there would be for other forms of treatment such as anger management. TE systems can be designed + implemented by virtually anyone in any institution. They are also cost-effective and easy to follow once workable methods of reinforcement have been established. This suggests that behaviour modification techniques can be established in most prisons and accessed by most prisoners.
• Behaviour modification programmes have been associated with decreased conflict within penal institutions and more successful management of the prison population. This can reduce pressure and stress on prison staff in what can be a hostile and difficult environment. COUNTERPOINT

  However, critics have described behaviour modification as manipulative and dehumanising (Moya and Achtenberg 1974). Participation in the scheme is obligatory rather than optional and human rights campaigners argue that withdrawal of ‘privileges’ such as exercise and contact with loved ones is unethical.
• BM


  Behaviour Modification
• Blackburn 1993: 'BM has 'little rehabilitative value''
• Any positive changes in behaviour that may occur whilst an offender is in prison


  May quickly be lost when they are released
• Cognitive-based treatments such as AM


  • More likely to lead to a permanent behavioural change
  • Require the offender to understand the cause of their offending
  • Require the offender to take responsibility for their own rehabilitation
• TE system


  Token Economy system
• Offenders can fairly easily play along with a TE system


  In order to access the rewards
• Playing along with a TE system


  Produces little change in their overall character
• Once the TE is discontinued


  An offender may quickly regress back to their former behaviour