Operant Conditioning: A Holistic Approach to Behavior and Health

When humans and other animals learn to relate their behavior with reinforcing or punishing consequences, this is referred to as operant conditioning. In the Operant Conditioning Theory, there are basically four methods consisting of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment (Ettinger, 2018).

Reinforcement is a method that increases the chances and frequency that a response may occur. Positive reinforcers are stimulus awarded after a response that increases the probability of the response. Negative reinforcers are when stimulus is removed following a desired response, which increases the probability of the initial response (Ettinger, 2018). An example of positive reinforcement would be awarding a child an allowance for completing their chores. An example of negative reinforcement would be removing a curfew for a child completing their homework early. Specific techniques such as shaping, verbal instruction, physical guidance, modeling, and increasing motivation can be implemented to encourage the manifestation of an initial desired operant response. The schedule at which reinforcements are administered can also affect the response behavior. A continuous reinforcement schedule occurs when behavior is reinforced every time it takes place (Ettinger, 2018). An example of this would be rewarding a dog with a treat after it sits still for a determined amount of time. A partial reinforcement schedule occurs when behavior is reinforced for only part of the time (Ettinger, 2018). An example of this would be a fisherman being rewarded with catching fish throughout the day, but with the time in between catches varying. Partial schedules of reinforcement are slower to be instilled but are noticeably more lasting than when no reinforcement is implemented at all. Partial reinforcement schedules breakdown further into either ratio or interval schedules, where both may be either variable or fixed (Ettinger, 2018).

(*File:Operant Conditioning diagram.png – Wikimedia Commons*, n.d.)

Punishment is a method where a stimulus implemented, either added (positive punishment) or removed (negative punishment) following a response affects a decrease in the frequency or chances of that response occurring. A punishment effectiveness in creating a desired change in behavior is determined by the punishment’s consistency, intensity, moderation and if there is a delay between a response and punishment. Also, combining a punishment with positive reinforcement may improve the effectiveness of the punishment (Ettinger, 2018). An example of positive punishment would be adding a curfew to a child in response to the child not completing their homework. An example of negative punishment would be to take away internet access due to the child not completing their homework.

Building of self-discipline and its relative behavior, is something that I was introduced to, through martial arts. I was 16 years-old at the time, and I experienced a very rigidly formatted version of operant conditioning. This is a very instrumental age for most people, where adolescence offers a time to begin to develop a sense of self, independence, identity, and self-awareness (Author Removed at Request of Original Publisher, 2015). Positive reinforcement is a tool used not only in most modern martial arts systems today, but also in coaching of sports, in schools, and other places of exercise to enhance fitness, well-being, self-discipline, stress management and many other reasons. In most martial arts schools, reinforcement and punishment are implemented as methods of operant learning. An individual is often rewarded here with a positive stimulus for a behavior that may be perceived as improving or growing stronger in character or punished by removal of stimulus for not improving or demonstrating good judgement. Particular to martial arts training, when a student starts on this path, most are educated that there exists a work and reward system of positive reinforcement delivered through a belt system. The belts range from the color spectrum where a white belt is a beginner to a blackbelt as having more proficiency, and then various degrees of blackbelt reflecting more expertise. When a student puts in the time and effort towards practicing and attempting to perfect the various exercises, techniques and relative sets or forms, they receive a reward of the next colored belt. I see the scheduling of this technique as partial reinforcement, in that a student doesn’t receive a new belt reflecting their progression after every class, but rather over a longer length of time demonstrating continual improvement.

Conversely, many instructors will use some methods of negative punishment where they maybe remove one-on-one time or personal instruction if a student does not demonstrate improvement of their skills or is perceived as not being serious about their own personal development. Or another example would be positive punishment where a student would be encouraged to stay after class to practice more in order to demonstrate that they are indeed serious about improving. While some of these methods may appear as outdated, harsh, or lacking compassion, I actually see them as being quite the opposite. If the end result and goal is for the individual to develop self-discipline and the infinite number of benefits that come with this trait, then the methods do justify the outcomes.

If instructors, coaches, teachers, and other positions of authority are to use punishment and other apathetic forms of control, they must be conscious of their potential impact. Although punishment may affect a response, it may also condition dysfunctional behaviors in the individual, by cultivating a conflict within the student-teacher relationship (Leeder, 2022).

References:

Author Removed At Request Of Original Publisher. (2015, October 26). 6.3 Adolescence: Developing Independence and Identity – Introduction to Psychology. Pressbooks. Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://open.lib.umn.edu/intropsyc/chapter/6-3-adolescence-developing-independence-and-identity/

Ettinger, R. H. (2018). Psychology: The Science of Behavior (6th ed.). BVT Publishing.

Leeder, T. (2022) Behaviorism, Skinner, and Operant Conditioning: Considerations for Sport Coaching Practice, Strategies, 35:3, 27-32, DOI:10.1080/08924562.2022.2052776

File:Operant conditioning diagram.png – Wikimedia Commons. (n.d.). https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Operant_conditioning_diagram.png

Admin, & Admin. (2023, June 30). B.F. Skinner’s Theory of Operant Conditioning. Communication Theory. https://www.communicationtheory.org/b-f-skinners-theory-of-operant-conditioning/

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

Managing Back Pain – You Have Options

My goal is to present an education for holistic health to increase longevity and quality of life (heathspan), that brings awareness to these time-proven methods. With an intent to de-mystify and simplify explanations, hopefully, more people can come to realize that we are all accountable for our own well-being.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Stress & Headache Management – University Club Holistic Health Discussion

My classes and discussions go way beyond the teaching of tai chi and qigong alone. My last public discussion at the University Club of Winter Park covered many topics, such as:

– types of stress

– strategic trauma

– parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems

– general adaption syndrome (GAS)

– coping mechanisms

– types of headaches

– herbs for managing sinus headaches

– methods to manage specific types of headaches

– the 12 primary energy meridians

– various acupressure techniques for managing stress and headaches

My 1-hour discussion can be viewed at:

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Glutamate – plays a major role in shaping learning and memory

Glutamate – the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain plays a major role in shaping learning and memory.

Glutamate, also known as glutamic acid, is an amino acid and is a major excitatory neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurons release neurotransmitters that initiate an action potential into postsynaptic neurons. Glutamate originates from glucose and is found in the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord. Glutamate is thought to be an important component of long-term potentiation, which is the process of neuronal functioning that changes and regulates some types of learning and memory. Recent research shows that learning and memory formation can be improved by pharmaceuticals that assist in glutamate activity. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is often used as a food additive for flavoring, contains glutamate. Consuming foods containing large amounts of MSG may induce dizziness and numbness, while possibly inhibiting learning and memory. These symptoms are likely due to the overexciting of glutamate neurons with excessive amounts of glutamate (Ettinger, 2018).

Glutamate can over-excite neurons until they commit suicide, in what is called excitotoxicity. This glutamate imbalance is thought to be involved in some degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Excessive brain glutamate levels may cause numerous symptoms, including hyperalgesia (pain amplification), anxiety, restlessness, and ADHD-like symptoms such as inability to focus. A glutamate deficiency in the brain is thought to cause symptoms such as insomnia, concentration problems, mental exhaustion and low energy (Role of GABA and Glutamate in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, 2022).

References:

Happiest Health. (2023, July 18). Glutamate: excitatory neurotransmitter of brain | Happiest Health. https://www.happiesthealth.com/articles/neurology/glutamate-neural-connections

Andistowe. (2023, April 12). What is Glutamate. Nourished Blessings. https://nourishedblessings.com/what-is-glutamate/

Ettinger, R. H. (2018). Psychology: The Science of Behavior (6th ed.). BVT Publishing.

Role of GABA and Glutamate in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. (2022, June 12). Verywell Health. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/gaba-glutamate-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-716010

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

US Youth Experiencing Adult Health Issues at Earlier Ages

Here are some summaries of factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, suicide, and other issues, typically considered as adult issues in years past:

Obesity

Childhood obesity is a serious and growing problem in the United States. It affects almost 20% of children and teens ages 2 to 19.
Increased consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks: The rise of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks has contributed to a significant increase in calorie intake and a decrease in nutrient intake among young people.
Decreased physical activity: The increased prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, due to factors such as television, video games, and computer use, has led to a decrease in physical activity among young people.
Marketing of unhealthy foods: Children and adolescents are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy foods, which can influence their dietary choices.

Diabetes

Genetic predisposition: Type 2 diabetes has a strong genetic component, and a family history of the disease increases the risk of developing it.
Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lack of physical activity: Physical activity helps to control blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Anxiety and depression

Increased academic pressure: Young people today face a lot of pressure to succeed in school, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
Social media: Social media can be a source of both positive and negative social interactions. For some young people, social media can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and anxiety.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is a growing problem that can have a serious impact on the mental health of young people.
Fear of violence: Young people today are more likely to be exposed to violence, both in their communities and in the media. This exposure can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress.

Suicide

Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders are a major risk factor for suicide.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse is another major risk factor for suicide.
Exposure to violence: Young people who are exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide.
Lack of access to mental health care: Many young people who need mental health care do not receive it, which can increase their risk of suicide.

Other issues

Sleep deprivation: Young people today are more likely to be sleep deprived, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
Exposure to environmental toxins: Young people are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins, such as lead and air pollution, which can have a negative impact on their health.
Lack of access to healthy food: Many young people do not have access to healthy food, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

These are just some of the factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues. It is important to address these issues to promote the health and well-being of young people. I think that we are way past thinking and talking about these issues as maybe being a concern, and rather look at them as a harbinger of what is soon to come. More doing and less pondering. Just below is the link to my YouTube video, introducing a strategy to help address this issue of combating youth mental and physical decline:

References:

Infographics | DASH | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/multimedia/infographics_posters/infographics.htm

Covert, D., & Fraire, M. G. (2019). The role of anxiety for youth experiencing suicide-related behaviors. Children’s Health Care, 48(4), 351–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02739615.2019.1630284

Chen, M., Padmapriya, N., Chua, X. H., Escobosa, L. L. T., Tay, A. E., Tai, B. C., Petrunoff, N., & Müller-Riemenschneider, F. (2024). Screen viewing patterns and their association with mental wellbeing and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study amongst university students. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19608-1

Dalton, E. D., Hammen, C. L., Brennan, P. A., & Najman, J. M. (2016). Pathways maintaining physical health problems from childhood to young adulthood: The role of stress and mood. Psychology & health, 31(11), 1255–1271. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1204448

Jones, L. C., Mrug, S., Elliott, M. N., Toomey, S. L., Tortolero, S., & Schuster, M. A. (2017). Chronic Physical Health Conditions and Emotional Problems From Early Adolescence Through Midadolescence. Academic pediatrics, 17(6), 649–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2017.02.002

Joyner, J. (2023, December 9). CDC updates tool to help treat childhood obesity. Healthnews. https://healthnews.com/news/cdc-updates-tool-to-help-treat-childhood-obesity/

Scheiner, C., Grashoff, J., Kleindienst, N., & Buerger, A. (2022). Mental disorders at the beginning of adolescence: Prevalence estimates in a sample aged 11-14 years. Public health in practice (Oxford, England), 4, 100348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100348

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119