How does differential reinforcement work?
Instead of focusing on the behaviour we want to get rid of, differential reinforcement puts the attention on the behaviour we want to see more often.
Differential reinforcement is a behaviour change technique with strong scientific support. It rests on two steps that go together: no longer giving attention to the unwanted behaviour, and clearly reinforcing an alternative behaviour.
An example
If a child keeps interrupting while we are on the phone, we can ignore the interruptions and instead thank them straight away when they wait their turn or touch our arm quietly. Over time, waiting becomes more useful to them than interrupting.
Steps to apply it
- Define the behaviour we want to reduce in concrete terms: “shouting to ask for things”, not “behaving badly”.
- Choose the alternative. It should be a behaviour they already know how to do and that serves the same purpose: asking in a normal voice.
- Reinforce it immediately. Attention, specific praise, a smile.
- Do not reinforce the other one. No scolding and no negotiating, as long as there is no danger.
- Be consistent. All the adults at home need to respond the same way.
What to expect
At first the unwanted behaviour may increase for a few days, because the child is checking whether it still works. If we stick to the plan, it usually decreases. Behaviour that hurts the child or others should not be ignored: in those cases we need to step in.