Defiant teenagers may call for the use of behavior modification therapy in order to control their rebellious actions. This type of therapy utilizes rewards as well as penalties to keep teenage behavior in check.

Not only has it been documented to help in lessening acts of rebellion, but it is also known to create a different response in the teenager with its manipulation of factors in the teen’s environment.

The main objective of this type of therapy is to eradicate defiant behavior through the reinforcement of appropriate actions while discouraging the rebellious responses. Upon initially beginning a behavior modification program with your teenager, the actions or behaviors to be corrected must be distinctly observed and given focus. As observation occurs, not just the parent but the teenager himself becomes more fully alert of his defiant behavior. Alertness may be the key to the comprehension of the possible reasons behind rebellious acts.

Behavior modification therapy is frequently used in the treatment of mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This kind of therapy may also help teens struggling with issues like substance abuse.

A program for behavior modification may initially deal with the rebellious acts first, acknowledging the problem behavior, then putting a stop to it as proper behavior is introduced in place of it. After the proper behavior is introduced it must be sustained. In order for the behavior modification to be successful there are different kinds of reinforcement applied to help in the maintenance of proper behavior. One may use positive and negative reinforcement.

In order to put an end to rebellious behavior, observation is the primary key. From here, one may then come to realize the specific behavior pattern their child is exhibiting. After realizing a behavior pattern, a plan of reinforcement and corresponding awards and penalties can be put together. If a new behavior is to be introduced to the adolescent, then steps must be taken in order to reach the ultimate change in behavior through steady reinforcement.

It’s important to remember that the maintenance of appropriate behavior through steady reinforcement can be the major tool of a parent using behavior modification therapy. A parent must use himself as a role model in order to show his teen a living, breathing example of correct behavior.