beh psy self control

traditional explanation

self control=strong willpower

lack of self control= no willpower

Behavioral analytic view

Choice

is behavior

Concurrent behavior

two or more behavior options are available simultaneously

this or that

Concurrent behavior chosen

based on past history and current situation

past history- reinforcers/punishers experiences on both options

current stimulus situation- SD/MO in effect for both options

Problems of behavioral excesses

doing too much of something

immediate reinforcer vs delayed punisher

The child receives immediate reinforcement through attention from peers when they yell, finding this attention rewarding. However, the teacher has implemented a delayed punisher, which is a loss of privilege (like recess time) that occurs later in the day if the yelling continues.

immediate reinforcer vs cumulative significant punishers

The immediate reinforcement comes in the form of social enjoyment and fun with friends during the night. However, the parents implement cumulative punishers, such as losing driving privileges for a week every time their curfew is violated.

the immediate joy of staying out late competes with the significant long-term consequence of losing a privilege, illustrating the challenge of managing behaviors when immediate rewards seem more appealing than the delayed consequences.

immediate reinforcers for problem beh vs delayed reinforcer for alternative beh

smoking

A person attempting to quit smoking might find that choosing to engage in exercise instead of smoking provides a delayed reinforcer: improved health and physical fitness over time, along with feelings of accomplishment and increased energy levels. While the immediate reinforcer for smoking is the nicotine high, their commitment to regular exercise will yield health benefits that manifest gradually, encouraging them to replace smoking with healthier habits.

problems of behavior deficits

too little of something

immediate small punisher vs cumulative significant reinforcer

wearing seatbelt is uncomfortable

overtime saves life during accident

immediate small punisher vs immediate but improbable major punisher if behavior does not occur

saving money now, unable to buy something

not saving money now can cause you to maybe miss out on vacation later

immediate small punisher vs delayed major punisher if beh does not occur

flossing hurts

cavities if continue to not floss later

behavioral model for self control

deal with causes of self control problem

occurs when an individual behaves in a way that arranges environment to manage their subsequent behavior

emitting a controlling behavior to affect a change in a controlled beh

steps in self control

1 specify problem/set goals

• define behavior

• write goal

2 make a commitment to change

• statements/actions that indicate importance, benefits, commitment

• publicly post/display announcement

• use private verbal cues

• well ahead of choice point (plan)

3 take data/analyze causes

• record instances of beh

• common antecedents/consequences for behavior excess/deficit

4 design/implement treatment plan

• consider antecedent, behavior, consequences

Antecedent manipulations

• Alter S^D 

Add S^D for appropriate beh 

Show three marshmallow

restrict /remove S^D for inappropriate behavior 

• Look away/put away 

• Alter MOs

  • Add EO for appropriate beh 

  • Add AO for inappropriate beh

    • Abolishing operation, demotivated

    • Make value less value —>Eat before grocery shopping 

• Alter response effort- things you do not want to do make difficult 

  • Decrease- make appropriate beh easier to emit 

  • Increase- make inappropriate beh more difficulties to emit 

    • Snack- put it up high, lots of effort to get —>Make it difficult to go on tiktok 

    • Demotivated self by telling friend to change algorithm