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Adding a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior to increase the likelihood of it being repeated. For example, giving a child praise after they clean their room to encourage this behavior in the future.

Removing an aversive stimulus following a desired behavior to increase the likelihood of it being repeated. For example, taking away extra homework when a student maintains good grades to reinforce their study habits.

Presenting an unpleasant stimulus or removing a pleasant stimulus following an undesired behavior to decrease the likelihood of it being repeated. For example, implementing a 'time out' for a child who hits another child.

The process by which a behavior is weakened by ceasing to reinforce it. For example, ignoring a child's temper tantrum until they stop acting out for attention.

Gradually modifying behavior by reinforcing successively closer approximations to a target behavior. For example, teaching a dog to fetch by rewarding it for initially looking at the ball, then touching it, and finally bringing it back.

Teaching a complex sequence of behaviors by breaking it down into simple steps and reinforcing each step. For example, teaching a person with developmental disabilities to prepare a simple meal by rewarding completion of each step in the sequence.

A system in which tokens are earned for desired behaviors and can later be exchanged for rewards. For example, students can earn tokens for finishing homework which they can trade in for extra recess time.

The process of observing and recording one’s own behaviors. For example, a person trying to lose weight might keep a food diary to track what they eat.

Learning behaviors by observing and imitating others. For example, a child learns to tie their shoes by watching a parent do it.

A technique used to reduce fear or anxiety by gradually exposing a person to the feared object or situation while practicing relaxation techniques. For example, someone with arachnophobia might first think about spiders, then look at pictures, and eventually hold a spider while remaining calm.

The process of challenging and changing irrational or maladaptive thoughts. For example, helping a person overcome social anxiety by identifying and altering negative thoughts about social interactions.

Using electronic monitoring to gain awareness and control over certain physiological functions. For example, teaching a patient to control their heart rate to reduce stress.

The practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment without judgment. For example, a person might meditate daily to cultivate a more mindful approach to stressful situations.

The tendency to align future behavior with past commitments and actions. For example, a person who publicly commits to a New Year’s resolution may be more likely to follow through with it.

Losing a reward or privilege as a consequence of an undesired behavior. For example, a teenager might lose access to their car for a week after coming home past curfew.

Reinforcing any behavior other than the undesired behavior. For example, giving attention to a child when they are not interrupting, rather than when they are.

Using a more preferred activity to reinforce a less preferred activity. For example, telling a child they can play video games after they finish their homework.

Removing an individual from a reinforcing situation following undesired behavior. For example, placing a child in a quiet corner away from playtime after they have been aggressive.

Creating a formal agreement that outlines expected behaviors and consequences. For example, a teacher and student might sign a contract stating the student will turn in homework on time and, if not, will stay in during recess to complete it.