Behavior Modification for Patients and Prisoners: Constitutional Ramifications of Enforced Therapy

Abstract

Behavior modification is a discipline familiar to psychiatrists and psychologists, which has only recently come to the attention of the legal profession. With the advent of the widespread use of behavioral treatment in our nation's institutions scholars have begun questioning the propriety and legality of such enforced therapy. This article describes learning theory and techniques of behavior modification. It then presents those issues raised by coerced behavior therapy on prisoners and mental patients and discusses relevant case law.