Behavior modification
-
Behavior modification · Nov 2006
A study on the effects of some reinforcers to improve performance of employees in a retail industry.
Two field experiments were conducted in the Business Information Technology Department of a major retail industry to analyze the impact of positive task performance reinforcers. The employees were divided into two broad groups - those performing complex tasks and those performing relatively simpler tasks. The first group was further divided into two subgroups, one being reinforced with money and paid leave and the other with feedback. ⋯ The second group of employees was allowed to choose reinforcers of their liking. Two simple techniques, a casual dress code and flexible working hours chosen by them, had a positive effect on their performance, which continued even after 6 months into the intervention. Besides, the procedure for the second group required no monetary or work-time loss to the employer.
-
Behavior modification · Apr 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialLong-term effects of a brief distraction intervention on children's laboratory pain reactivity.
This 2-year follow-up study examined the effects of a brief behavioral intervention on task-based coping and pain reactivity to the cold pressor task (CPT). In the original study by Fanurik et al. (1993), 64 children (aged 8 to 10) whose coping style was categorized as "attender" or "distracter," based on primary coping strategy during baseline CPT trials, received a 5-minute intervention (attention-focusing, distraction training, or control, randomly assigned). ⋯ The distraction training group also demonstrated greater tolerance at follow-up compared to controls, although pain ratings did not differ by intervention group. Our findings suggest that a brief distraction intervention has long-term effects on task-based coping and experimental pain reactivity.
-
Behavior modification · Oct 1999
ReviewThe use of virtual reality exposure in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
One possible alternative to standard in vivo exposure may be virtual reality exposure. Virtual reality integrates real-time computer graphics, body tracking devices, visual displays, and other sensory input devices to immerse a participant in a computer-generated virtual environment. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) is potentially an efficient and cost-effective treatment of anxiety disorders. ⋯ Significant group differences were found on all measures such that the VRE group was significantly improved at posttreatment but the control group was unchanged. The efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy was also supported for the fear of flying in a case study. The potential for virtual reality exposure treatment for these and other disorders is explored.
-
Behavior modification · Feb 1999
Case ReportsA behavioral approach to identifying sources of happiness and unhappiness among individuals with profound multiple disabilities.
This investigation evaluated a behavioral means of identifying sources of happiness and unhappiness among individuals with profound multiple disabilities. Indices of happiness and unhappiness were defined, and a corresponding observation system was developed and implemented with five students in an adult education classroom. ⋯ Results are discussed regarding routine use of the observation system to evaluate classroom activities for effects on student happiness as a measure of quality of life. Future research needs are discussed in terms of determining means to alter certain classroom procedures that are accompanied by indices of student unhappiness.
-
Behavior modification · Jan 1994
Behavioral, physiological, and self-evaluative effects of anxiety on the self-control of pain.
This study examined the impact of trait anxiety on self-control behavior using the cold pressor task. In addition to cold pressor tolerance, effects were measured in terms of physiological arousal and self-evaluations. ⋯ Although anxiety did not influence behavioral tolerance, high trait anxious subjects receiving self-control training made more negative self-evaluations and had higher levels of physiological arousal. These results suggest that anxiety may disrupt the use of self-control strategies in coping with pain.