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The Difference Between Reinforcement and Bribery in ABA

Feb 3

3 min read

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If you are a parent focused on you child's needs when it comes to ABA therapy, you might have asked yourself: “Is reinforcement and bribery the same thing?" On the surface, promising a child something they like to do something might look like bribing, but in ABA, reinforcement is a completely unmatched concept, so much so that it almost seems like magic.


With that said let’s take a look into what these two concepts entail in further detail and why reinforcement is important in ethical, effective ABA therapy.


What Is Reinforcement in ABA?


In ABA, reinforcement is regarded as one of the consequences which strengthens a particular behavior, meaning the chances for that behavior occurring in the future increase. It is strategic and systematic in its implementation following the behavior that has been desired, in an effort to ensure that it is repeated in the future.


For example:


• Your child says, “I want water,” and you hand them a glass of water. This increases their motivation to ask for water again in the future.

• Your child shares a toy with their sibling, and you praise them warmly. This makes sharing a more appealing choice in the future.


Reinforcement is more about putting emphasis on nurturing and teaching positive behavior, so that he or she performs well in real-life settings over the long haul.


What Is Bribery in ABA?


Bribery, on the other hand, involves offering a reward before the desired behavior happens in an attempt to get compliance. More often than not, these responses lack planning and structure and are solely based on the moment.


For example:


• You tell your child, “If you stop crying, I’ll give you a cookie.”

• During a tantrum, you say, “If you clean up your toys, you can watch TV.”


While bribery can be beneficial initially, it can prove to be problematic later. It can often strengthen the very behaviors people try to diminish in the first place - for instance, whining or evading chores.


Key Differences Between Reinforcement and Bribery


Reinforcement:


• Happens after the behavior.

• Focuses on teaching and growth.

• Encourages positive behaviors.

• Is planned and intentional.


Bribery:


• Offered before the behavior.

• Focuses on immediate compliance.

• May unintentionally reinforce negative behaviors.

• Is reactive and unplanned.


Why Reinforcement Works in ABA

Reinforcement is a strategy aimed at educating your child and steering them towards desirable behaviors. The strategy employs a combination of positive reinforcement and incentives which teach children to relate certain actions with consequences, boosting the child’s self image and inspiring them to continue making good decisions in the future. Here’s why it’s so effective:


It’s Predictable: Your child learns that positive behaviors lead to positive outcomes, building trust and motivation.


It’s Proactive: Reinforcement focuses on setting your child up for success rather than reacting to challenges.


It Builds Independence: Over time, reinforcement helps your child develop the skills they need to navigate their world with confidence.


How to Spot Ethical Reinforcement in ABA


Here are a few hallmarks of reinforcement done right:


Meaningful Rewards: The reinforcer is something your child values, whether it’s a favorite toy, verbal praise, or extra playtime.

Fades Over Time: Reinforcers are gradually reduced as your child becomes fluent in the behavior.

Focuses on the Child’s Needs: The objective is to focus on teaching relevant and operational skills as opposed to just achieving compliance.


Takeaways for Parents


Reinforcement happens after a behavior and strengthens it for the future.

Bribery happens before a behavior and can unintentionally reinforce negative actions.

• Reinforcement is intentional, ethical, and focused on long-term growth.


Differentiating reinforcement and bribery will help you be more confident about your child’s ABA program and help you identify strategies that contribute to their growth. Bribery is often seen as a quick fix for inappropriate behavior while reinforcement is teaching technique that stops unwanted behavior systematically over time.


Let’s Chat!


Did you ever think about whether helping your child is different from bribery? Or do you wonder how reinforcements can be applied in life? Get in touch with us for any questions! We do appreciate any feedback. Together, let’s build a brighter, more positive future for your child.


Feb 3

3 min read

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