Ethical Issues in Behavior Modification

Abuse of Power

  • Civilization reflects a continuous story of the abuse of power.
  • Influence of powerful people over those with fewer reinforcers affects behavior.

Behavior Modification in the Workplace and Education

  • Workplace Example:
    • Bonuses/reductions can incentivize behavior.
    • Warnings or suspensions represent negative reinforcement.
  • Ethical Issues:
    • Misuse can occur, as seen in schools with ignoring techniques, often leading to worsened behaviors.

Historical Context of Ethics

  • Established cultural reactions to power abuse dictate responses to behavior modification.
  • The term "behavior modification" can trigger negative connotations.

Behavioral View of Ethics

  • Definition of Ethics:
    • Standards of behavior shaped by culture, aimed at survival.
    • Example: "Thou shall not kill" is an absolute ethical guideline.
  • Ethical guidelines help navigate behavior influenced by cultural understanding.

Arguments Against Behavior Control

  • Many argue that attempts to control behavior are unethical due to historical perspectives.
    • Feelings of coldness and mechanization in behavioral control.
  • Nevertheless, many professions aim to change/control behavior ethically.

Ethical Guidelines from Organizations

  • Key organizations providing ethical frameworks:
    • Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
    • American Psychological Association (APA)
    • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)

Ethical Considerations for Human Services

  • Client Engagement:
    • Participation should be active and voluntary, ensuring clients understand treatment goals.
  • Goal Setting:
    • Goals should be explicit, agreed upon by clients, and consistent with long-term interests.
  • Treatment Selection:
    • Use empirically validated methods to minimize discomfort.
    • Provide options to clients about treatment path.
  • Ongoing Evaluation:
    • Maintain accurate records, monitor progress, ensure confidentiality, and allow client access to their data.

Ethical Checklist for Therapists

  1. Goals of Treatment:
    • Ensure clarity and agreement on treatment objectives.
  2. Choice of Treatment Methods:
    • Verify methods against literature and explore alternatives.
  3. Client Participation:
    • Assess any coercion and allow voluntary participation.
  4. Empowerment of Subordinate Clients:
    • Involve clients and guardians in treatment discussions.
  5. Evaluation of Treatment Adequacy:
    • Utilize quantitative measures to evaluate progress.
  6. Confidentiality:
    • Protect client’s treatment relationship.
  7. Referral Practices:
    • Refer clients to other therapists when necessary.
  8. Therapist Qualification:
    • Ensure therapists have relevant qualifications for treatment.

Summary of Ethical Milestones in Behavior Modification

  • 1977: Initial publication of ethical questions in behavior therapy.
  • 1978: Comprehensive ethical reporting by Stolz & Associates.
  • 1988: Clients’ rights acknowledged by Van Houten et al.
  • 2002: APA establishes ethical principles for psychologists.