Posted: October 4th, 2024

Increasing Personal Behavior: Strategies for Maintenance and Generalization

Increasing Personal Behavior: Strategies for Maintenance and Generalization

Many individuals set personal goals, such as New Year’s resolutions, with the intention of improving certain behaviors. However, maintaining these behaviors over time can be challenging. This paper explores reasons why certain behaviors fail to generalize or persist and discusses strategies for enhancing stimulus control to support long-term behavior change.

Reasons for Lack of Generalization and Maintenance
Behavioral change often requires more than initial motivation. One reason behaviors may not generalize or be maintained is the lack of consistent reinforcement across different settings and situations. According to Cooper, Heron, and Heward (2020), behaviors are more likely to persist when reinforcement is applied consistently in various contexts. Additionally, the absence of clear cues or stimuli that signal when a behavior should occur can hinder its generalization (Fisher, Piazza, & Roane, 2021).

Another factor is the competing contingencies that may exist in different environments. For instance, a person might resolve to exercise regularly but face competing demands such as work or family responsibilities that take precedence, reducing the likelihood of maintaining the exercise routine (Cooper et al., 2020).

Planning for Stimulus Control
Stimulus control involves using specific cues to trigger desired behaviors. To enhance stimulus control, it is essential to identify and manipulate environmental factors that can prompt the behavior. For example, setting a specific time and place for exercise can create a routine that becomes associated with the behavior, making it more likely to occur (Fisher et al., 2021).

Additionally, using visual or auditory reminders can serve as effective cues. Placing workout clothes in a visible location or setting a daily alarm can act as prompts that increase the likelihood of engaging in the desired behavior (Cooper et al., 2020).

Methods for Successful Maintenance and Generalization
To ensure behaviors are maintained and generalized, it is crucial to employ strategies that reinforce the behavior across various contexts. One effective method is to gradually introduce the behavior in different settings while maintaining consistent reinforcement. This approach helps the individual adapt the behavior to new environments (Fisher et al., 2021).

Moreover, self-monitoring and self-reinforcement can play significant roles in maintaining behavior. By tracking progress and rewarding oneself for meeting specific goals, individuals can sustain motivation and commitment to the behavior (Cooper et al., 2020).

Finally, involving social support can enhance maintenance and generalization. Sharing goals with friends or family and seeking their encouragement can provide additional reinforcement and accountability, increasing the likelihood of long-term success (Fisher et al., 2021).

Conclusion
Increasing and maintaining personal behaviors requires strategic planning and the use of stimulus control. By understanding the factors that hinder generalization and employing methods such as consistent reinforcement, environmental cues, and social support, individuals can enhance their ability to sustain desired behaviors over time.

References
Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Fisher, W. W., Piazza, C. C., & Roane, H. S. (2021). Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

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PS560 Unit 7 Discussion.

Complete the readings before you attempt the discussion question.

Identify a personal behavior that you would like to increase, perhaps revisiting a New Year’s resolution that you’ve made in the past that you haven’t been able to keep. By referencing the information you’ve learned so far, discuss some reasons why you think the behavior hasn’t generalized or been maintained over time. Then, consider how you might plan for stimulus control over your desired behavioral response(s). What are some methods that you can discuss for more successful maintenance and generalization of your behaviors over time, settings, and situations?

Read Chapters 17 & 30 in Cooper, Heron, & Heward’s Applied Behavior Analysis
Chapter 5 of Fisher, Piazza, & Roane’s Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis
Use at least 2 references

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Tags: Behavior Maintenance, Generalization, Reinforcement Strategies, Stimulus Control