Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Good Behavior Game

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Preventing Crime and Violence

Part of the book series: Advances in Prevention Science ((Adv. Prevention Science))

Abstract

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a classroom behavior management strategy with origins in the field of applied behavior analysis that has been shown to not only reduce disruptive classroom behavior but also prevent more serious problems in adolescence (e.g., initiation of smoking, aggressive behavior). In this chapter, we discuss the origins and conceptual foundation of the GBG, review research demonstrating its immediate and long-term effects, describe various ways in which the GBG has been modified and combined with other interventions, and provide best practice guidelines on implementing the GBG.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risley, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91–97. doi:10.1901/jaba.1968.1-91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrish, H. H., Saunders, M. S., & Wolf, M. M. (1969). Good Behavior Game: Effects of individual contingencies for group consequences on disruptive behavior in a classroom. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2, 119–124. doi:10.1901/jaba.1969.2-119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Zmuda, J. H., Kellam, S. G., & Ialongo, N. S. (2009). Longitudinal impact of two universal preventive interventions in first grade on educational outcomes in high school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101, 926–937. doi:10.1037/a0016586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bostow, D., & Geiger, O. G. (1976). Good Behavior Game: A replication and systematic analysis with a second grade class. SALT: School Applications of Learning Theory, 8, 18–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Catania, A. C. (2013). Learning (5th ed.). Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY: Sloan Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Darveaux, D. X. (1984). The Good Behavior Game plus merit: Controlling disruptive behavior and improving student motivation. School Psychology Review, 13, 510–514.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeGarmo, D. S., Eddy, J. M., Reid, J. B., & Fetrow, R. A. (2009). Evaluating mediators of the impact of the linking the interests of families and teachers (LIFT) multimodal preventive intervention on substance use initiation and growth across adolescence. Prevention Science, 10, 208–220. doi:10.1007/s11121-009-0126-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Health and Human Services. (2001). Youth violence: A report of the surgeon general. Rockville, MD: Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dietz, S. M., & Repp, A. C. (1973). Decreasing classroom misbehavior through the use of DRL schedules of reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 457–463. doi:10.1901/jaba.1973.6-457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dion, E., Roux, C., Landry, D., Fuchs, D., Wehby, J., & Dupere, V. (2011). Improving attention an dpreventing reading difficulties among low-income first-graders: A randomized study. Prevention Science, 12, 70–79. doi:10.1007/s11121-010-0182-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson, J. M., Vollmer, T. R., Krous, T., Downs, S., & Berard, K. P. (2011). An evaluation of the Good Behavior Game in kindergarten classrooms. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 605–609. doi:10.1901/jaba.2011.44-605.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eddy, J. M., Reid, J. B., & Fetrow, R. A. (2000). An elementary school-based prevention program targeting modifiable antecedents of youth delinquency and violence: Linking the Interests of families and teachers (LIFT). Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 8, 163–176. doi:10.1177/106342660000800304.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Embry, D. D. (2002). The Good Behavior Game: A best practice candidate as a universal behavioral vaccine. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 5, 273–297.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishbein, J. E., & Wasik, B. H. (1981). Effect of the Good Behavior Game on disruptive library behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 14, 89–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flower, A., McKenna, J. W., Bunuan, R. L., Muething, C. S., & Vega, R, Jr. (2014). Effects of the Good Behavior Game on challenging behaviors in school settings. Review of Educational Research, 84, 546–571. doi:10.3102/0034654314536781.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Foden-Vencil, K. (2014, January 2). ‘Good behavior’ more than a game to health care plan. National Public Radio. Retrieved from: http://www.npr.org.

  • Gill, A. M., Hyde, L. W., Shaw, D. S., Dishion, T. J., & Wilson, M. N. (2008). The family check-up in early childhood: A case study of intervention process and change. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37, 893–904. doi:10.1080/15374410802359858.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, V. W., & Sherman, J. A. (1973). Use and analysis of the “Good Behavior Game” to reduce disruptive classroom behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 405–417. doi:10.1901/jaba.1973.6-405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., Smolkowski, K., Eber, L., Nakasato, J., Todd, A. E., et al. (2009). A randomized, wait-list controlled effectiveness trial assessing school-wide positive behavior support in elementary schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 133–144. doi:10.1177/1098300709332067.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ialongo, N. S., Poduska, J., Wethamer, L., & Kellam, S. G. (2001). The distal impact of two first-grade preventive interventions on conduct problems and disorder in early adolescence. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 9, 146–160. doi:10.1177/106342660100900301.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ialongo, N. S., Werthamer, L., Kellam, S. G., Brown, C. H., Wang, S., & Lin, Y. (1999). Proximal impact of two first-grade preventive interventions on the early risk behaviors for later substance abuse, depression, and antisocial behavior. American Journal of Community Psychology, 27, 599–641. doi:10.1023/A:1022137920532.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jung, J., Fukugasako, Y., & Takahashi, T. (2005). The effects of group contingency strategy on students’ behaviors in physical education classes in Korea using multiple baseline design. International Journal of Sport and Health Science, 3, 46–56. doi:10.5432/ijshs.3.46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keenan, M., Moore, J. L., & Dillenburger, K. (2000). The good behaviour game. Child Care in Practice, 6, 27–38. doi:10.1080/1357270008413191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., & Anthony, J. C. (1998). Targeting early antecedents to prevent tobacco smoking: Findings from an epidemiologically based randomized field trial. American Journal of Public Health, 88, 1490–1495. doi:10.2105/AJPH.88.10.1490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., Brown, C. H., Poduska, J. M., Ialongo, N. S., Wang, W., Toyinbo, P., et al. (2008). Effects of a universal classroom behavior management program in first and second grades on young adult behavioral, psychiatric, and social outcomes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 95S, S5–S28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., Ling, X., Merisca, R., Brown, C. H., & Ialongo, N. (1998). The effect of the level of aggression in the first grade classroom on the course and malleability of aggressive behavior in middle school. Development and Psychopathology, 10, 165–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., MacKenzie, A. C. L., Brown, C. H., Poduska, J. M., Wang, W., Petras, H., et al. (2011). The Good Behavior Game and the future of prevention and treatment. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 6, 73–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleinman, K. E., & Saigh, P. A. (2011). The effects of the Good Behavior Game on the conduct of regular education New York City high school students. Behavior Modification, 35, 95–105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kosiec, L. E., Czernicki, M. R., & McLaughlin, T. F. (1986). The Good Behavior Game: A replication with consumer satisfaction in two regular elementary schools. Techniques: A Journal for Remedial Education and Counseling, 2, 15-23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lannie, A. L., & McCurdy, B. L. (2007). Preventing disruptive behavior in the urban classroom: Effects of the Good Behavior Game on student and teacher behavior. Education and Treatment of Children, 30, 85–98. doi:10.1353/etc.2007.0002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leflot, G., van Lier, P. A. C., Onghena, P., & Colpin, H. (2010). The role of teacher behavior management in the development of disruptive behaviors: An intervention study with the Good Behavior Game. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 38, 869–882. doi:10.1007/s10802-010-9411-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leflot, G., van Lier, P. A. C., Onghena, P., & Colpin, H. (2013). The role of children’s on-task behavior in the prevention of aggressive behavior development and peer rejection: A randomized controlled study of the Good Behavior Game in Belgian elementary classrooms. Journal of School Psychology, 51, 187–199. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2012.12.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ling, S. M., & Barnett, D. W. (2013). Increasing preschool student engagement during group learning activities using a group contingency. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 33, 186–196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Litow, L., & Pumroy, D. K. (1975). A brief review of classroom group-oriented contingencies. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 8, 341–347. doi:10.1901/jaba.1975.8-341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lohrmann, S., & Talerico, J. (2004). Anchor the boat: A classwide intervention to reduce problem behavior. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 6, 113–120. doi:10.1177/10983007040060020601.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCurdy, B. L., Lannie, A. L., & Barnabas, E. (2009). Reducing disruptive behavior in an urban school cafeteria: An extension of the Good Behavior Game. Journal of School Psychology, 47, 39–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGoey, K. E., Schneider, D. L., Pezzetano, K. M., Prodan, T., & Tankersley, M. (2010). Classwide intervention to manage disruptive behavior in the kindergarten classroom. Journal of Applied Psychology, 26, 247–261. doi:10.1080/15377903.2010.495916.

    Google Scholar 

  • Medland, M. B., & Stachnik, T. J. (1972). Good-behavior game: A replication and systematic analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 45–51. doi:10.1901/jaba.1972.5-45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nolan, J. D., Filter, K. J., & Houlihan, D. (2014a). Preliminary report: An application of the Good Behavior Game in the developing nation of Belize. School Psychology International, 35, 421–428. doi:10.1177/01430334313498958.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nolan, J., Houlihan, D., Wanzek, M., & Jenson, W. R. (2014b). The Good Behavior Game: A classroom-behavior intervention effective across cultures. School Psychology International, 35, 191–205. doi:10.1177/0143034312471473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patrick, C. A., Ward, P., & Crouch, D. W. (1998). Effects of holding students accountable for social behaviors during volleyball games in elementary physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 17, 143–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., DeBaryshe, B., & Ramsey, E. (1990). A developmental perspective on antisocial behavior. American Psychologist, 44, 329–335. Reprinted in: Gauvin, M. & Cole, M. (Eds.). (1993). Readings on the development of children (2nd Ed.). NY: Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D., & Christie, F. (1986). Behaviour management in a secondary school classroom: Playing the game. Maladjustment and Therapeutic Education, 4, 47–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruiz-Olivares, R., Pino, M. J., & Herruzo, J. (2010). Reduction of disruptive behaviors using an intervention based on the Good Behavior Game and the say-do-report correspondence. Psychology in the Schools, 47, 1046–1058. doi:10.1002/pits.20523.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saigh, P. A., & Umar, A. M. (1983). Effects of a Good Behavior Game on the disruptive behavior of Sudanese elementary school students. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 16, 339–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salend, S. J., Reynolds, C. J., & Coyle, E. M. (1989). Individualizing the Good Behavior Game across type and frequency of behavior with emotionally disturbed adolescents. Behavior Modification, 13, 108–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1984). The operational analysis of psychological terms. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 7, 547–581. doi:10.1037/h0062535.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Storr, C. L., Ialongo, N. S., Kellam, S. G., & Anthony, J. C. (2002). A randomized controlled trial of two primary school intervention strategies to prevent early onset tobacco smoking. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 66, 51–60. doi:10.1016/S0376-8716(01)00184-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanol, G., Johnson, L., McComas, J., & Cote, E. (2010). Responding to rule violations or rule following: A comparison of two versions of the Good Behavior Game with kindergarten students. Journal of School Psychology, 48, 337–355. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2010.06.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tingstrom, D. H., Sterling-Turner, H. E., & Wilczynski, S. M. (2006). The Good Behavior Game: 1969–2002. Behavior Modification, 30, 225–253. doi:10.1177/0145445503261165.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tremblay, R. E., Pihl, R. O., Vitaro, F., & Dobkin, P. L. (1994). Predicting early onset of male antisocial behavior from preschool behavior. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51, 732–739. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1994.03950090064009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Lier, P. A. C., Muthén, B. O., van der Sar, R. M., & Crijnen, A. A. M. (2004). Preventing disruptive behavior in elementary school children: Impact of a universal classroom-based intervention. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 467–478.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vuijk, P., van Lier, P. A. C., Crijnen, A. A. M., & Huizink, A. C. (2007). Testing sex-specific pathways from peer victimization to anxiety and depression in early adolescents through a randomized intervention trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 100, 221–226. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2006.11.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox, H. C., Kellam, S. G., Brown, C. H., Poduska, J., Ialongo, N. S., Wang, W., et al. (2008). The impact of two universal randomized first- and second-grade classroom interventions on young adult suicide ideation and attempt. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 95, S60–S73. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.01.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, R. A., & McCurdy, B. L. (2012). Class-wide positive behavior support and group contingencies: Examining a positive variation of the Good Behavior Game. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 14, 173–180. doi:10.1177/1098300711421008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Louisiana State University, 206 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Jeanne M. Donaldson

  2. California State University, Stanislaus One University Circle, Turlock, CA, 95382, USA

    Katie M. Wiskow

Authors
  1. Jeanne M. Donaldson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Katie M. Wiskow
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jeanne M. Donaldson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Brent Teasdale

  2. Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

    Mindy S. Bradley

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Donaldson, J.M., Wiskow, K.M. (2017). The Good Behavior Game. In: Teasdale, B., Bradley, M. (eds) Preventing Crime and Violence. Advances in Prevention Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44124-5_20

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-44124-5_20

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-44122-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-44124-5

  • eBook Packages: Law and CriminologyLaw and Criminology (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation