Dangers of Physical Punishment as A Behavior Modifier Technique

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
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Behavior Modification
Introduction
Behavior modification is a concept coined by B.F Skinner in describing his theory operant conditioning. Behavior modification is a technique which encourages or discourages a behavior through a system of rewards. The rewards increase recurrence or deterrence of the behavior by positive or negative reinforcement and punishment. In behavioral therapy, the desirable behavior is rewarded positively while undesirable behavior is punished. The main objective of the therapist is to replace the unacceptable behavior with acceptable ones. The theory is pegged on the premise that how people react to stimuli can be modified by learning. To achieve the desired behavior, the reinforcements or punishments are repeated till the desired outcome is achieved.
Dangers of Physical Punishment as A Behavior Modifier Technique
Physical punishment is a counterproductive measure to change behavior. Corporal punishment such as that used in school is a counterproductive behavior modifier which increases delinquency, poor relationship, mental health, aggression and fear in minorsCITATION Eli15 \p 47 \l 1033 (Gershoff, Purtell, & Holas, 2015, p. 47). It is therefore unlikely to lead to positive behavior as expected by the Punisher and instead replace a cordial relationship with fear and hatred. The offender may not repeat the offense, but a strained relationship with the punisher ensues which complicates their interaction and cooperation. If the offender is a child, his/her mental growth is adversely affected. Physical punishment often leads to poor mental health and skewed decision-making process out of fear and negative feeling towards the Punisher. Offenders subjected to physical punishment are more likely to exhibit higher levels of recidivism, aggression, and delinquency. According to CITATION Lin12 \p 241 \l 1033 (Nielsen, 2012, p. 241)children who are subjected to physical punishment are more likely to be abusive in marriages or turn to drug abusers or both. This shows corporal punishment or any physical punishment is counterproductive both in the short and long runs.
2 Primary Modifiers of Behavior
Reinforcers and punishers are the two primary modifiers of behavior. Reinforcement is pairing stimuli to behavior to encourage its recurrence or deterrence. Reinforcers are classified into two broad categories; positive and negative. Rewarding a person for a good action or giving a dog steak for positive behavior is an example of positive reinforcement. The reinforcement aims to pair positive response with action, and therefore the operant continues to repeat it. On the other hand, negative reinforcement is meant to discourage the repeat of certain behavior. To disassociate the operant with the behavior, you remove the negative stimulus. The operant perceives the removal of the negative stimulus as a desirable outcome and thus responds accordingly. U...