Dealing with Offending: Behaviour Modification & Anger Management

Beyond custodial sentencing, forensic psychology offers several approaches to dealing with offending behaviour. These include behaviour modification (token economy programmes), anger management programmes, and restorative justice. Each approach is grounded in different psychological theory — operant conditioning, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and social psychology respectively — and each has distinct strengths and limitations.

Key Definition: Behaviour modification is the use of operant conditioning principles (reinforcement and punishment) to change behaviour. In forensic settings, it typically involves token economy programmes.

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Token Economy Programmes

Theoretical Basis

Token economy programmes are based on Skinner's operant conditioning — the principle that behaviour is shaped by its consequences. Behaviours followed by positive reinforcement are more likely to be repeated.