Understanding the Efficacy of Behavior Modification Programs for Troubled Teens
As adolescence barge in, teenagers experience a great deal of hormonal change, academic and social challenges, emotional volatility, and shifting family dynamics. Both parents and kids find it overwhelming to manage the turmoil and still lead a pleasant and healthy life. Hence, when parents feel powerless to change their kids’ troublesome behavior, they search for solutions in society. Fortunately, society offers such kids a variety of remedial options that have proved to bring tremendous positive changes in their behaviors and lives. Parents are also relieved due to the reduced need for brainstorming as facilities provide them with admission counselors to guide about the best treatment plan. Be it residential therapy for troubled teens, therapeutic boarding schools, or wilderness therapy, they help find the right behavior modification program for the ultimate needs of their teenage kids.
Teenagers are inclined towards risky behaviors during their development years because their brain takes time to create mushy centers of self-control and self-assistance. Their abnormal conduct can be the resulting impacts of several factors that include ODD, ADD/ADHD, personality disorders, depression, mental illness, mood disorders, and substance abuse. Not many, including parents and teachers, understand the inner working of these illnesses; hence, the right behavioral modification program becomes the only option.
Based on B.F. Skinner’s concept, this remedial formula has always been a part of controversies as it focuses on either a reward or punishment system to encourage certain actions or decisions of the participants. In an attempt to alter their conduct that is perceived to be displaying antisocial behavior, these facilities enroll teenagers in residential education and treatment programs. It works on the theory that learned attitude and perception can be unlearned through proven techniques such as positive reinforcements for promoting appropriate actions and negative reinforcements for eliminating unhealthy encounters.
Therapeutic intervention helps struggling adolescents gain insight into their negative as well as positive traits. They are engaged in several continuous activities that are devised to strengthen their mind, body, and character, while they continue their education in an accredited academic setting. Once the negative attributes of each participant are identified, they are targeted and stopped using tried and verified tools and strategies. For instance, if a kid is not willing to clean his room or clothes, he can be made to do it by assuring that upon getting the job done, he will be rewarded with additional time for his favorite activity. But this type of approach demands consistency for success.
In a nutshell, a behavior modification program for troubled teens stands effective and successful only if consistency is maintained. Moreover, it is advisable to avoid making the mistake of taking the struggling teenagers to the first program that a friend or family member must have recommended. Although considering the recommendations is a must, one must not completely rely on them. Parents should make a wise decision by doing a little homework that includes investigating different options and settling for one that promises to bring the best results.
Author’s Bio: The author explains the efficacy of behavior modification programs for troubled teens.
