What does shaping involve in behavioral therapy?

Shaping is a fundamental technique used in behavioral therapy that focuses on reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior. This means that rather than expecting the individual to exhibit the final behavior all at once, the therapist rewards smaller steps or behaviors that progressively lead toward the target behavior.

For instance, if the goal is to teach a child to speak in full sentences, the therapist might initially reinforce the child for making any vocalizations, then only for single words, and gradually for two-word phrases, eventually leading to complete sentences. This gradual reinforcement helps build the behavior incrementally, making it a highly effective approach in behavioral interventions.

The process requires careful observation and consistent reinforcement to ensure that each small step is acknowledged, which fosters motivation and helps the individual become more successful in achieving the ultimate goal.