A Systematic Review of Behavior Modification Techniques in Managing Behavioral Problems in Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Traditional and Modern Approaches

The aim of this study was to review the application of behavior modification techniques in managing and reducing symptoms of common behavioral disorders in students with intellectual disabilities. This research was conducted using a systematic review method. To this end, relevant scientific articles and resources were identified and collected using Persian and English keywords such as “behavior modification,” “behavioral disorders,” “students with special needs,” “intellectual disability,” “behavior therapy,” and “behavioral interventions.” The search was conducted across international databases such as Science Direct and Google Scholar, as well as national databases including SID, Noormags, and Civilica.
A total of 2,450 studies were initially identified. After reviewing titles and abstracts, 480 studies entered the preliminary screening stage. Due to duplication or lack of direct relevance to the study’s objective, 350 articles were excluded. Ultimately, 130 full-text articles were examined in detail, of which 97 were excluded due to insufficient data. In the final analysis, 33 studies were included in this systematic review.
Findings indicated that the use of behavior modification techniques such as positive reinforcement, extinction, behavior contracts, token economy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) were effective in reducing maladaptive behaviors and enhancing desirable behaviors among students with intellectual disabilities. Based on the available evidence, the use of targeted behavioral interventions is recommended as an effective approach in the education and rehabilitation of this population by psychologists, counselors, and special education teachers.