Reinforcement is a highly recommended strategy in applied behavior analysis. However, it is important to consider the possible unwanted effects of reinforcement.
Lets look over a few examples of some of the potential unwanted effects of reinforcement.
Examples of Unwanted Effects of Reinforcement
Examples of the potential unwanted effects of using reinforcement include but is not limited to the following:
- Reinforcement in one setting could lead to a decrease in the target behavior in another setting (behavioral contrast)
- Reinforcement of a specific behavior could lead to an increase in undesirable behaviors in that same functional response class
- Similarly, reinforcement of a specific behavior could lead to a decrease in desirable behaviors in the same functional response class
- When reinforcement contingencies are strong, maladaptive behaviors could develop, especially if the reinforcer begins to be available less often (ex: aggression)
- Sometimes reinforcement contingencies can lead to low levels of energy or fatigue in an individual leading to less effort being applied to other behaviors that could in fact be more reinforcing or more beneficial for the persons quality of life
- Reinforcement contingencies for some behaviors can have a negative impact on a persons health and wellbeing, such as gambling or addiction.
- Some reinforcement contingencies are so powerful that they prevent people from acting with avoidance or escape when this response would be more beneficial to them (again, such as in the instance of gambling or addiction or even overeating, etc.)
- Positive reinforcement can lead to problems with health, relationships, disease and cancer, and other negative outcomes for ones life. Since immediate reinforcement contingencies are often more powerful than long-term, rule-governed contingencies, reinforcement can lead to these poor outcomes (Perone, 2003).
These are just some of the examples of unwanted effects of reinforcement.
This is not to say that reinforcement shouldnt be used, but the potential unwanted effects should be considered.
Tips for Addressing Unwanted Effects of Reinforcement
Although there are countless ways to consider the potential unwanted effects of reinforcement, here are a few recommended tips.
- Monitor the target behavior in multiple settings
- Plan for generalization of the target behavior
- Train other significant individuals on using reinforcement or teach self-management skills for a person to provide their own reinforcement in other settings
- Monitor undesired or maladaptive behaviors through data collection
- Use antecedent strategies to reduce the likelihood of undesired behaviors
- Fade reinforcement strategically
- Consider how to utilize naturally occurring reinforcement or to transition to this if contrived reinforcement is used
- Teach self-management skills or create structure around an individuals engagement with reinforcing activities
- Address unhealthy behaviors, particularly those that strongly interfere with a persons quality of life and goals and values for themselves (or for someone they are serving as caregiver for)
- Teach healthy behaviors and reinforce these behaviors to prevent health and disease but continue monitoring for the above-mentioned unwanted effects of reinforcement
- Utilize value-based strategies, such as through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach, to help guide an individual to live their best life
Reinforcement is a highly recommended strategy for behavior change but be sure to consider the potential unwanted effects that this may create.
References:
Perone M. (2003). Negative effects of positive reinforcement. The Behavior analyst, 26(1), 114. doi:10.1007/bf03392064