Behavior Modification Project
This study will increase the behavioral deficit of praying in the participant through
behavior modification methods. For this study, praying will be defined as expressing gratitude in
morning prayer before getting out of bed. To follow, around lunchtime, a second prayer will be
conducted. Before going to bed for the night, a final prayer will be shared to express gratitude,
ask for guidance, and express repentance. This increase in prayer will include three times a day,
seven days a week, five minutes for each prayer, and journaling. A quantifiable system to track
each prayer includes a journal to record the number and duration of prayers. Praying may include
specific actions to accompany the prayer, such as speaking aloud, sitting with eyes closed, or
lying down in a relaxing behavior.
Praying every morning before getting out of bed for five minutes while eyes are still
closed will start the day by thanking and rejoicing God for providing another day to live. A
second prayer mid-day asking for grace and guidance for any challenges that may be thrown in
the participant’s direction. Allowing the participant to check in and debrief with God to get the
participant through the rest of the day feeling as optimistic and positive as they did when they
woke up that morning. Ending the day off, a third, five-minute prayer will allow the participant
to express their gratitude for making it through the day by the grace and love of God. Asking for
guidance for any challenges that the participant, their family, or friends may be facing, as well as
expressing repentance for any commitments to future actions and bringing it to God’s attention
through prayer.
The participant proposed for this study will be a 27-year-old female who lives with her
long-term boyfriend, works full-time and attends online classes full-time. The participant will
have access to their journal every part of the day to ensure each prayer request is documented for
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this study. The purpose of this study will be to increase the behavioral deficit of praying when a
treatment has been implemented. The participant will be chosen from these demographics
because, without prayer, a relationship with God can suffer, especially if the time is focused
solely on working full-time, going to school full-time, and trying to strengthen a long-term
relationship with a partner. These demographics do not have to be gender specific because Jesus
instructed everyone to pray, teaching people how to pray can arguably be one of the most
important missions of the Christian community (Person, 2016). Men and women who pray are all
children of God, they are entirely guided by the Christian community and the Holy Spirit
(Person, 2016).
Research on the Target Behavior
The review of several studies provides a foundation on which to understand the
connection between a behavioral deficit of praying and what treatments can be used to modify
these deficits. Person (2016) asked what it means to be a real person of prayer. It was explained
in Teach Us How to Pray: A Review of New Books by Episcopal Women that someone who
desires their relationship with God should be controlled by God; those who have educated their
spiritual sense and their relationship with God is more real than their natural environment
(Person, 2016). Not understanding what it means to pray or how to pray can be a reason for the
behavioral deficit. Person (2016) reviewed different books of authors throughout his research;
these authors were transparent about how they prayed. This allows the reader to see another
perspective of vulnerability, as well as confessions of struggles in prayer, in hopes it helps others
to grow their intimacy with God (Person, 2016).
Rubinart et al. (2016) conducted a spiritual intervention using a nonclinical sample of
middle-aged Catholics to explore the Jesus Prayer. In the article “Using the Collaborative Inquiry
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Method to Explore the Jesus Prayer” encouraged the Catholics to learn about prayer in their own
way while also reflecting on their experiences. This type of approach gave insight into the
participants’ internal experiences while practicing prayer. The researchers concluded that the
benefits of these participants shared similar advantages, including a sense of peace and serenity.
Modifying this behavior deficit provided spiritual gains such as a stronger connection with their
inner selves and God, along with developing a “vital trust” (Rubinart et al., 2016, p. 1).
Homan et al. (2015) also researched the benefits of praying and having a strong
relationship with God. The research brings to light the relationship between social comparison
and body appreciation. This study tested whether feeling accepted by God would decrease the
insecurities a woman feels by not meeting social media’s ideal beauty standards among a sample
of 186 female undergraduates (Homan et al., 2015). Research increasingly suggests that prayer
and religion positively influence women’s body image and acceptance by God, mitigating the
effects of comparing one’s body to others (Homan et al., 2015). This study aimed to investigate
whether perceiving a warm and secure relationship with God could reduce the negative impact of
social comparison on body appreciation (Homan et al., 2015).
Fincham et al., (2014) conducted research with a concept around partner-focused
petitionary prayer (PFPP) to determine the relationship benefits, whether the benefits are
mediated by an increase in relationship satisfaction, and whether the PFPP of a person or their
partner is more beneficial of the effects (Fincham et al., 2014). The study involved 316
undergraduate students who were in committed romantic relationships. The researchers
concluded that PFPP correlated with higher future commitment levels (Fincham et al., 2014). A
second study in this research involved 205 married African American couples, revealing that
both partners’ PFPP significantly influenced commitment, with effects from one’s prayer being
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partially mediated by relationship quality. Overall researchers found that both studies highlighted
the importance of further exploring partner-focused petitionary prayer as a potentially significant
means of improving relationship outcomes (Fincham et al., 2014).
In 2024, Jung et al. studied the connection between workplace social support and job
satisfaction among employees while assessing the role of frequency of praying for others. While
utilizing data from a survey of 508 participants across the nation in 2021, researchers concluded
a positive link between receiving social support at work and increased job satisfaction (Jung et
al., 2024). The association between workplace support and job satisfaction was found to be more
pronounced for individuals who prayed for others more. With this research, they were able to
determine that regularly praying for others could increase the benefits derived from social
support at work, contributing to job satisfaction (Jung et al., 2024). The information that was
studied in this research suggests that personal religious practices might enhance overall worker
well-being (Jung et al., 2024).
The common themes in the studies above, starting with Person (2012), can teach readers
about different authors’ perspectives on praying and help teach others how to pray in their own
way. Rubinart et al. (2016) showed readers that praying provides peace and serenity while
building a vital relationship of trust in God. Homan et al. (2015) explained that research has
found praying can help positively influence women’s body image while also feeling a sense of
acceptance by God. The research by Fincham et al. (2014) helps confirm this common theme by
concluding the importance of partner-focused prayer due to it significantly improving
relationship outcomes. Finally, Jung et al. (2024) confirmed the benefits of praying can also
provide a healthier work atmosphere.
Research on Treatment Method
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The treatment that will be implemented for this study will consist of positive
reinforcement. The positive reinforcers will be used after praying and journaling the words
spoken to God to promote beneficial behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors such as not
having a strong relationship with God or personal relationships. Miltenberger (2012) described
positive reinforcement as a process that strengthens a behavior with the addition of a stimulus.
Typically, a positive stimulus or reinforcer is something desirable or beneficial that a person will
continuously want. Desirable behaviors may be increased by positive reinforcement, whether it is
meaningful words, encouragement, or reward. For this study and treatment method, the stimulus
or reinforcer will be a desirable treat, such as a coffee or snack. Miltenberger (2012) explained
that the behavior is more likely to occur in the future when a response produces a stimulus or
positive reinforcer.
For this study, the first prayer starts at the very beginning of the day; I will express my
gratitude for the chance to live another day through prayer. In my journal, I will share how proud
I feel for taking time out of my day that morning to be with God. While also showing additional
positive reinforcers with making my favorite cup of coffee as I get ready for the day. I will
continue to pray around lunchtime during my break from work. Here, I will ask for guidance on
whether something may have happened during my morning or whether I need some additional
support to make it through the rest of the day. Additionally, I will take out my journal to write
down my prayers, feelings, and words of encouragement. Following this prayer will be a positive
stimulus such as a Diet Coke or chocolate-covered pretzels.
I will get home from work, and before the end of the night, I will have one last time with
my journal and one last prayer with God before the following day. A final prayer expressing
gratitude, asking for guidance, and expressing repentance before going to bed for the night. This
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will be the third five-minute prayer of the day and the third time expressing how prayer made me
feel in my journal. To conclude the day with one last positive reinforcer; this may be a tall glass
of ice water or ensuring my coffee is ready for the morning. Keeping track using a journal to
record the number and duration of prayers will allow me to stay consistent and show results at
the end of the study.
Alberto et al. (2009) explained that reinforcement refers to the condition in which a
behavior is followed by an action or event that increases the likelihood of that behavior being
repeated in the future. The article critically analyzes common school-based criticisms regarding
the effective implementation of positive reinforcement. The same treatment method was used in
this study, which increased the behavioral deficit of praying through behavior modification
methods. Alberto et al. (2009) used verbal acknowledgment to provide positive feedback or
positive reinforcement. For this study and treatment method, positive reinforcement will also
include using desirable rewards such as iced coffee or chocolate-covered pretzels.
Conclusion
The modification of the behavioral deficit of praying has been chosen for the participant
because they could benefit from a stronger relationship with God, feeling more comfortable
praying, and communicating with God. Without praying to Christ and knowing He is there to get
them through any obstacle, it can be challenging to take that next step in their future. The
benefits of building trust with God and a significant other will build stronger connections,
confidence, and reassurance in the path God planned all along. The anticipated results of this
study will be living a life through Christ forever. The participant being only 27 years old means
there will be many challenges and traumas they face in the future. The relationships they build
will require God’s serenity, peace, and guidance to live a happy life.
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References
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published 2001)
Fincham, F., & Beach, S. (2014). I say a little prayer for you: Praying for a partner
increases commitment in romantic relationships. Journal of Family Psychology, 28(5),
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Homan, K., & Lemmon, V. (2016). Perceived relationship with God moderates the
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