Which technique is commonly used for reinforcing desired behaviors in therapy?

The technique commonly used for reinforcing desired behaviors in therapy is positive reinforcement. This method involves providing a stimulus following a desired behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. In therapeutic settings, positive reinforcement can take many forms, such as verbal praise, tokens, or tangible rewards that signify recognition of the behavior.

Utilizing positive reinforcement is effective because it establishes a clear connection between the behavior and the reward, thereby encouraging the individual to repeat the behavior. This approach aligns with the principles of behavior modification, which emphasize the role of rewards in shaping behavior over time.

Other techniques, such as negative punishment, involve removing a desirable stimulus to decrease a behavior, which does not promote the learning of new or desired behaviors. Fixed interval reinforcement schedules provide rewards after specific time periods, which can be less effective in maintaining behavior consistency compared to immediate positive reinforcement. Over-correction focuses on requiring an individual to correct a mistake or undesirable behavior, which may not effectively encourage the repetition of a desired behavior like positive reinforcement does.