Chapter 20 – Antecedent Control

Modeling, Physical Guidance, and Situational Inducement

James, a 27-year-old man with a mild intellectual disability, had alternated between group home placement and a psychiatric hospital for many years. He preferred to live in a group home, but his aggressive behavior resulted in regular readmissions to a psychiatric hospital. The therapist would then remind James of an incident in which he was verbally or physically aggressive toward a person who made him angry. People imitate those who are like them in various ways—age, socioeconomic status, physical appearance. Friends and peers are more likely to be imitated than strangers or individuals outside one’s peer group. Thus, whenever possible, use peers as models in your behavior modification program. Social psychologists have long known that high-status and prestigious persons are more likely to be imitated than individuals of lower status or prestige. Modeling is most effective when combined with other behavioral teaching strategies.