What does "behavior modification" primarily focus on?

Behavior modification primarily focuses on utilizing rewards and punishments to shape behaviors. This concept is grounded in the principles of operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced through reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment. The goal of behavior modification is to encourage desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones by systematically applying these reinforcement strategies.

In practice, this could involve rewarding a child for completing their homework on time or implementing a time-out as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. The emphasis is on observable behavior changes rather than internal thoughts or feelings. Therefore, the approach is very concrete and measurable, making it an effective method in various settings, including therapy, education, and behavior management programs.

Other choices, while they may contribute to overall personal development or behavior understanding, do not capture the essence of behavior modification as directly as the correct response does. Changing thoughts to improve behavior and promoting self-reflection relate more to cognitive-behavioral approaches or psychotherapy, while enhancing relationships focuses on interpersonal skills rather than specific behavior change techniques.