ABSTRACT
Operant conditioning refers to the circumstances in which the consequences of behaviour, intended or otherwise, affect the likelihood of whether the behaviour will occur again. Reinforcing consequences are those that, on average, increase the likelihood that the behaviour preceding them will occur again, whereas punishing consequences are those that, on average, decrease the likelihood that the behaviour preceding them will occur again. Removal of reinforcing consequences of behaviour also decreases the likelihood of the behaviour reoccurring. This latter process is known as extinction. DBT therapists utilize these principles of operant conditioning to understand the factors that maintain the client’s problematic behaviours and prevent the use of more skilful behaviours. On the basis of this understanding DBT therapists then utilize contingency management procedures to change client behaviours (Chapter 2).1
