Tangible Self-Reinforcement in Self-Directed Behavior Modification Projects

Abstract

The effects of tangible self-reinforcement, as used in behavioral self-modification projects, were investigated in three experiments. The results indicated that the addition of tangible self-reinforcement showed little advantage on self-monitored behavioral measures over a procedure which combined self-monitoring with a demand for change. Analyses of variance indicated that both conditions produced a significant increase in response rate over baseline measures, but no significant differences were found between self-reinforcement and “commitment” only procedures. Also, the results of Exp. 3 indicate that perceived credibility of self-modification strategies significantly influences performance on target behaviors during all phases of a self-modification project.