A child displaying tense and hostile behavior in an open-classroom setting is moved to a structured classroom. This change is an example of what?

• A. Behavioral modification
• B. Environmental change
• C. Cognitive restructuring
• D. Pharmacological intervention

Answer: (B)

Changing the setting can directly influence behavior by altering what happens before the behavior occurs. Moving from an open-classroom to a structured classroom provides more predictability, clear rules, established routines, and closer supervision. These environmental adjustments reduce confusion and stimulation that can trigger tense or hostile responses, helping the child self-regulate better. In social work terms, this is about changing antecedents in the environment to support pro-social behavior without altering the child’s thoughts or using medications or specific reinforcement plans.

Behavioral modification would involve applying reinforcement or consequences to shape behavior, not simply changing the environment. Cognitive restructuring focuses on changing internal beliefs or thoughts. Pharmacological intervention involves medication.