Reinforcement vs. Bribery: What’s The Difference?

A core principle of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is the concept of reinforcement to encourage progress. A common misconception about reinforcement is that it is no different than bribing a child to do what you want them to do. While it’s an understandable concern - amongst all parents, not just those working with an ABA therapist - the distinction between the two things is important. The idea of offering a reward in exchange can definitely feel like a bribe, but there is in fact quite a bit of difference between reinforcement and bribery. Understanding that difference can improve understanding and shift the way you approach behavior at home.

What Is Reinforcement?

In the realm of ABA Therapy, reinforcement is considered a pre-planned, proactive strategy that increases the likelihood of a behavior repeating itself. After a reinforcement is established, it becomes predictable, happening every time after their desired behavior is completed, building lasting skills over time. It incentivizes a task with a positive, self-esteem building reward that correlates that feeling with the action until it becomes habit. As an example, maybe you’re working on oral hygiene so every time they brush their teeth on their own, they choose a special sticker for their collection. The expectation is set, the task is completed, and the reward is earned. The specific activity and reward can vary depending on each unique circumstance, but that’s something your ABA therapist can help establish if you’re unsure the best route to go.

What Is Bribery?

While bribery is another side of a similar coin, it’s not the same as reinforcement. Bribery is a more reactive strategy, done in the heat of the moment to stop an already occurring behavior. For example, your child is throwing a fit in the store and you tell them, “if you stop screaming I’ll buy you some candy,” which in turn they do. It will likely work in the moment, but it’s teaching the opposite of what you want. Instead of encouraging positive behavior, it’s reinforcing refusal over cooperation and signaling that poor enough behavior will end in a reward for compliance. Bribery is more impulsive and done to stop a meltdown instead of building a skill.

The Difference Between Reinforcement & Bribery Matters

It’s reasonable to get confused about reinforcement versus bribery when learning, but the distinction between the two matters. Bribery will teach kids to push boundaries because they’ve learned doing so will get them something they want. Reinforcement, however, teaches kids that meeting expectations is what will earn them the reward they are after. One is about control, while the other is about growth. Bribery can be extremely effective in the moment, but is not helping behavior or long-term success. Reinforcement may take time to establish, but will set a precedent that will provide life skills, confidence and more peaceful communication.

Making The Shift From Bribery to Reinforcement

Don’t feel bad if you are currently thinking back to times you’ve resorted to bribery to calm a situation or stop a tantrum in its tracks. It’s a very human response - especially when things have escalated to a point you feel you can’t control. But once you understand the importance of changing tactics, you can start to shift from bribery to reinforcement to create a more sustainable course of action. Here’s how you can make the shift:

• Set expectations clearly and early. Explain exactly what their task is and what the reward will be.

• Use consistent language that your child understands so there’s no confusion or uncertainty.

• Celebrate the success directly after they complete their task so it’s clear that the reward is associated with that behavior.

• Avoid negotiations in the moment. When you become reactive, it muddies the waters and leaves situations up for debate. Keeping things straightforward makes the expectation clear and easy to understand moving forward.

Build Positive Reinforcement Strategies with Bloom Behavioral Health

If you’ve used bribery in the past to keep the peace, don’t worry. Every parent has likely been there at one point or another. But shifting your mindset to work from a place of reinforcement over bribery will also start to shift behavior and build skills. If you’re looking for help navigating your child’s autism diagnosis, including building positive reinforcement strategies that will support your child’s growth and cooperation, Bloom Behavior Healthcare is happy to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family!