Behavior management—the science and art of understanding, predicting, and influencing human behavior—has transformed our schools, workplaces, clinical practices, and even our daily lives. This comprehensive exploration highlights the 100 individuals who have made the most significant contributions to this field through their theories, research, practical applications, and advocacy.
Classical Pioneers (Pre-1950)
1.Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
Though not a psychologist by training, this Russian physiologist’s discovery of classical conditioning laid the groundwork for behavioral psychology. His experiments with dogs demonstrating how neutral stimuli could elicit conditioned responses revolutionized our understanding of learning mechanisms and influenced countless behavior management approaches.
2.John B. Watson (1878-1958)
The father of behaviorism, Watson rejected introspection in favor of studying observable behavior. His controversial “Little Albert” experiment demonstrated how emotional responses could be conditioned. Watson’s insistence that environment shapes behavior became a cornerstone principle in behavior management.
3.B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
Perhaps the most influential behaviorist, Skinner developed operant conditioning theory, demonstrating how reinforcement and punishment influence behavior. His invention of the Skinner Box allowed for precise measurement of behavior, and his concepts of reinforcement schedules continue to form the foundation of many behavior management systems today.
4.Edward Thorndike (1874-1949)
His “Law of Effect” established that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated. This principle became fundamental to behavior management practices across settings. Thorndike’s pioneering work on animal intelligence established many experimental methods later used in behavior research.
5.Mary Cover Jones (1897-1987)
Often called the “mother of behavior therapy,” Jones conducted groundbreaking work on treating phobias through counterconditioning. Her case study of “Peter,” a child with rabbit phobia, demonstrated how positive associations could overcome fear responses, establishing early behavior modification techniques.
6.Edwin Ray Guthrie (1886-1959)
Guthrie’s contiguity theory proposed that behaviors that occur together become associated. His one-trial learning theory and work on habit formation influenced practical applications in behavior change programs. His focus on breaking problematic stimulus-response connections remains relevant in modern behavior management.
7.Clark L. Hull (1884-1952)
Hull’s drive reduction theory suggested that behaviors satisfying biological needs become strengthened. His mathematical approach to learning theory helped establish behaviorism as a rigorous science and influenced systematic approaches to behavior management.
8.John Dewey (1859-1952)
While primarily known as an educational philosopher, Dewey’s emphasis on learning through experience and democratic classroom management has profoundly influenced behavioral approaches in education. His progressive education philosophy emphasized self-discipline over external control.
9.William James (1842-1910)
His principles of habit formation and theories about the relationship between emotion and behavior laid important groundwork for later behavioral approaches. James’s pragmatic philosophy emphasized the practical consequences of behavior, influencing later functional approaches to behavior management.
10.Edward C. Tolman (1886-1959)
Tolman’s purposive behaviorism recognized the role of cognitive processes in behavior, bridging behaviorism and cognitive psychology. His concept of latent learning demonstrated that reinforcement isn’t always necessary for learning, expanding behavior management beyond simple reinforcement strategies.
Mid-Century Transformers (1950-1980)
11.Albert Bandura (1925-2021)
Bandura’s social learning theory revolutionized behavior management by demonstrating the power of observational learning and modeling. His Bobo doll experiments showed how children learn aggressive behaviors through observation. His later work on self-efficacy expanded behavior management to include belief systems.
12.Joseph Wolpe (1915-1997)
As a pioneer in behavior therapy, Wolpe developed systematic desensitization for treating phobias and anxiety disorders. This graduated exposure technique remains a cornerstone of cognitive-behavioral therapy and has helped countless individuals overcome debilitating fears.
13.Hans Eysenck (1916-1997)
Eysenck’s work on personality and behavior helped establish behavior therapy as a legitimate treatment approach. His emphasis on empirical validation of treatments influenced the development of evidence-based practice in behavior management.
14.Donald Baer (1931-2002)
A founder of applied behavior analysis (ABA), Baer helped transform behavioral theory into practical interventions. His insistence on applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptual, effective, and generalizable interventions set standards for behavior management practice.
15.Sidney Bijou (1908-2009)
Bijou pioneered the application of behavioral principles to understanding child development and treating developmental disabilities. His functional approach to analyzing children’s behavior in context transformed interventions for children with behavioral challenges.
16.Montrose Wolf (1935-2004)
Wolf developed the time-out procedure, now ubiquitous in classroom and parenting practices. He also created the Teaching-Family Model for residential treatment, demonstrating how consistent behavior management could transform juvenile rehabilitation.
17.Ogden Lindsley (1922-2004)
Creator of Precision Teaching, Lindsley emphasized direct measurement of behavior rates to guide interventions. His standard celeration chart allowed systematic tracking of behavior change, improving precision in behavior management.
18.Ivar Lovaas (1927-2010)
Lovaas pioneered intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. His structured teaching programs demonstrated that consistent application of behavioral principles could produce significant improvements in social, language, and adaptive behaviors for children with autism.
19.Fred S. Keller (1899-1996)
Developer of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), Keller applied behavioral principles to higher education. His approach emphasized mastery learning, self-pacing, and immediate feedback, transforming educational behavior management.
20.Nathan Azrin (1930-2013)
Co-developer of the token economy system and inventor of several behavior modification techniques, including habit reversal training for tics and overcorrection procedures. Azrin’s practical interventions transformed behavior management in institutional settings.
Modern Theorists and Researchers (1980-Present)
21.Alan Kazdin (1945-present)
Kazdin’s research on parent training and child conduct problems has transformed behavioral interventions for children. His Parent Management Training model has been widely adopted, and his insistence on evidence-based practice has elevated standards for behavior management interventions.
22.Judith Beck (1954-present)
As a leading cognitive-behavioral therapist, Beck has integrated cognitive approaches with behavioral management techniques. Her practical therapy protocols for depression, anxiety, and personality disorders have influenced treatment approaches worldwide.
23.Fred Luthans (1939-present)
Luthans’s Organizational Behavior Modification theory systematically applied behavioral principles to workplace performance improvement. His later work on positive psychological capital (hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy) expanded behavior management to include positive psychology elements.
24.Edward Deci (1942-present)
Deci’s self-determination theory transformed understanding of intrinsic motivation. His research demonstrating how external rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation challenged simplistic behavioral approaches and enhanced more sophisticated behavior management systems.
25.Robert Cialdini (1945-present)
Through his research on influence and persuasion, Cialdini identified six key principles that drive human behavior: reciprocity, commitment/consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. These principles have transformed how organizations approach behavior change.
26.Carol Dweck (1946-present)
Dweck’s mindset theory has transformed approaches to motivation and achievement behavior. Her research on fixed versus growth mindsets has influenced educational practices by demonstrating how beliefs about ability affect effort and persistence.
27.Walter Mischel (1930-2018)
His famous “marshmallow test” research on delayed gratification revealed crucial individual differences in self-control. Mischel’s cognitive-affective personality system theory improved behavior prediction by accounting for situational variables.
28.Mark Durand (1954-present)
Durand’s functional communication training transformed treatment for challenging behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities. His approach replaced problematic behaviors with appropriate communication, revolutionizing positive behavior support.
29.Susan Michie (1950-present)
Michie’s behavior change wheel and COM-B model (capability, opportunity, motivation - behavior) have provided systematic frameworks for designing interventions. Her work has been particularly influential in public health behavior change efforts.
30.Daniel Kahneman (1934-present)
Nobel Prize-winning psychologist whose research on cognitive biases and decision-making has transformed understanding of human behavior. His dual-process theory (fast and slow thinking) has influenced approaches to changing decision-related behaviors.
Educational Behavior Management
31.Rudolf Dreikurs (1897-1972)
Dreikurs adapted Adlerian psychology to classroom management, emphasizing logical consequences rather than punishment. His identification of the four goals of misbehavior (attention, power, revenge, and inadequacy) has helped countless teachers respond effectively to classroom challenges.
32.William Glasser (1925-2013)
Developer of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory, Glasser emphasized that behavior is chosen and driven by basic needs. His Quality School model promoted meeting students’ needs for belonging, power, freedom, and fun through engaging education rather than coercion.
33.Lee Canter (1950-present)
Creator of the Assertive Discipline approach, Canter emphasized clear expectations, consistent follow-through, and positive reinforcement in classroom management. His structured approach has influenced teacher training programs worldwide.
34.Haim Ginott (1922-1973)
Ginott’s approach to communication with children transformed classroom and parenting practices. His emphasis on addressing situations rather than character (“I see papers on the floor” rather than “You’re messy”) remains influential in respectful behavior management.
35.Alfie Kohn (1957-present)
A vocal critic of behavioral approaches, Kohn has challenged reward systems and promoted intrinsic motivation. Though controversial, his critique has pushed the field to develop more thoughtful, less manipulative approaches to behavior management.
36.Madeline Hunter (1916-1994)
Developer of the widely-used lesson cycle and effective teaching model, Hunter’s approach incorporated behavioral principles into instructional design. Her emphasis on checking for understanding, guided practice, and closure influenced teacher behavior management.
37.Elaine McGrath (1940-present)
As a pioneer in cooperative learning, McGrath demonstrated how group dynamics and structured interaction patterns could prevent behavior problems while promoting learning. Her work transformed classroom management by focusing on productive engagement.
38.Jacob Kounin (1912-1995)
Kounin’s research on “withitness” (teacher awareness) and overlapping (handling multiple events simultaneously) identified key teacher behaviors that prevent management problems. His concepts of movement management and momentum remain fundamental to effective classroom management.
39.Thomas Gordon (1918-2002)
Gordon’s Teacher Effectiveness Training applied principles of active listening, I-messages, and no-lose conflict resolution to classroom management. His emphasis on relationship-based management transformed disciplinary approaches.
40.Ross Greene (1961-present)
Developer of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS), Greene’s “kids do well if they can” philosophy transformed approaches to challenging behavior. His emphasis on identifying and addressing lagging skills rather than using rewards and punishments has influenced both educational and clinical practice.
Organizational Behavior Management
41.Aubrey Daniels (1935-present)
A pioneer in applying behavioral principles to workplace performance, Daniels coined the term “Performance Management.” His emphasis on positive reinforcement rather than punishment transformed organizational approaches to productivity improvement.
42.Richard Thaler (1945-present)
Nobel Prize-winning behavioral economist whose “nudge theory” has transformed how organizations and governments influence behavior. Thaler’s work demonstrates how small environmental changes can significantly impact decision-making and behavior.
43.Elton Mayo (1880-1949)
The Hawthorne studies conducted under Mayo’s direction revealed the powerful influence of social factors on workplace behavior. His findings challenged purely economic theories of motivation and emphasized the importance of worker sentiment and social groups.
44.Victor Vroom (1932-present)
Vroom’s expectancy theory of motivation explained how expectations about effort, performance, and outcomes influence workplace behavior. His decision-making models transformed understanding of leadership behaviors and their contextual effectiveness.
45.Stacey Adams (1925-present)
Adams’ equity theory demonstrated how perceptions of fairness influence workplace behavior. His research showed that employees adjust their effort based on perceived input-outcome ratios compared to others, transforming compensation and reward practices.
46.Edwin Locke (1938-present)
Locke’s goal-setting theory established that specific, challenging goals with appropriate feedback improve performance. His work has influenced performance management systems worldwide and demonstrated the motivational power of goals.
47.Elaine Pulakos (1958-present)
As an expert in performance management, Pulakos has transformed how organizations approach employee evaluation and development. Her work on adaptive performance has been particularly influential as organizations navigate increasingly dynamic environments.
48.Frederick Herzberg (1923-2000)
Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory distinguished between satisfaction and dissatisfaction drivers in the workplace. His identification of motivators versus hygiene factors transformed how organizations approach employee motivation and job design.
49.Gary Latham (1945-present)
Latham’s research on goal-setting, motivation, and performance appraisal has influenced organizational behavior management worldwide. His situational interviews and behavioral observation scales improved selection and evaluation practices.
50.Jeffrey Pfeffer (1946-present)
Through his evidence-based management approach, Pfeffer has challenged conventional wisdom about effective organizational practices. His work exposing the gap between research and practice has pushed organizations toward more effective behavior management.
Clinical Behavior Management
51.Aaron Beck (1921-2021)
As the father of cognitive therapy, Beck transformed behavior management by demonstrating the crucial role of thoughts in influencing emotions and behaviors. His cognitive therapy for depression established a framework for addressing maladaptive thinking patterns.
52.Marsha Linehan (1943-present)
Creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Linehan integrated behavioral principles with acceptance strategies to treat borderline personality disorder. DBT’s skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness has influenced treatment across diagnoses.
53.Steven Hayes (1948-present)
Developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Hayes expanded behavior analysis to include mindfulness and acceptance processes. His relational frame theory provides a behavioral account of language and cognition, influencing modern behavior management approaches.
54.Patricia Resick (1953-present)
Creator of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Resick integrated cognitive and behavioral techniques to address trauma-related behaviors. Her structured approach has been widely adopted in treating trauma survivors.
55.Peter Lewinsohn (1931-2015)
Lewinsohn’s behavioral model of depression emphasized the role of response-contingent positive reinforcement. His treatment approach focused on increasing pleasant activities and improving social skills, transforming depression management.
56.Michelle Craske (1959-present)
A leading researcher in anxiety disorders, Craske has refined exposure therapy approaches and developed innovative treatments for panic disorder and phobias. Her inhibitory learning model has transformed how clinicians implement exposure therapy.
57.Edna Foa (1937-present)
Developer of Prolonged Exposure therapy for PTSD and Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD, Foa’s systematic behavioral interventions have transformed treatment for anxiety disorders. Her emotional processing theory explains mechanisms of therapeutic change.
58.Peter Lang (1932-2012)
Lang’s three-systems model of fear (cognitive, physiological, and behavioral) improved assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders. His bio-informational theory explained how emotions organize behavior, influencing modern exposure therapy approaches.
59.G. Terence Wilson (1942-present)
Wilson’s research on eating disorders transformed behavioral approaches to these conditions. His enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa and evidence-based treatments for binge eating disorder have influenced clinical practice worldwide.
60.David Barlow (1942-present)
Founder of the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Barlow developed unified protocols for treating emotional disorders. His transdiagnostic approach targeting underlying emotional processes has transformed treatment efficiency.
Child and Family Behavior Management
61.Gerald Patterson (1926-2016)
Patterson’s coercion theory explained how parent-child interactions inadvertently maintain problem behaviors. His parent management training model demonstrated how changing parent behavior can transform child outcomes, influencing family interventions worldwide.
62.Sheila Eyberg (1944-present)
Developer of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Eyberg created a highly effective treatment for disruptive behavior disorders. PCIT’s combination of relationship enhancement and behavior management transformed parent training.
63.Russell Barkley (1949-present)
A leading expert on ADHD, Barkley’s understanding of executive function deficits transformed behavior management for affected individuals. His work emphasized that ADHD is primarily a disorder of self-regulation rather than just attention.
64.Carolyn Webster-Stratton (1946-present)
Creator of The Incredible Years programs, Webster-Stratton developed comprehensive interventions for parents, teachers, and children that prevent and treat behavior problems. Her video modeling approach made parent training more accessible and engaging.
65.Matthew Sanders (1953-present)
Founder of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, Sanders developed a population-level approach to parenting intervention. His multilevel system transformed public health approaches to behavior management by providing appropriate intensity based on need.
66.Diana Baumrind (1927-2018)
Baumrind’s research on parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, permissive) transformed understanding of how family dynamics affect child behavior. Her work demonstrated the superiority of authoritative approaches that combine warmth with appropriate expectations.
67.Thomas Dishion (1955-2018)
Dishion’s research on peer influence and coercive family processes transformed understanding of antisocial behavior development. His identification of “deviancy training” in peer groups influenced prevention programs for at-risk youth.
68.Patricia Chamberlain (1948-present)
Developer of Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO), Chamberlain demonstrated how structured behavior management in foster care could transform outcomes for youth with severe conduct problems. Her approach has been implemented worldwide.
69.John Gottman (1942-present)
Gottman’s research on marital interaction patterns transformed understanding of relationship behaviors. His ability to predict divorce based on communication patterns influenced relationship interventions that focus on specific behavioral changes.
70.Lucy Berliner (1947-present)
A pioneer in trauma-informed care for children, Berliner’s work transformed how child welfare and juvenile justice systems respond to traumatized youth. Her emphasis on trauma-specific behavior management has influenced practices across systems.
Positive Behavior Support and Inclusion
71.George Sugai (1950-present)
Co-developer of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Sugai transformed school-wide discipline approaches. PBIS’s multi-tiered system emphasizing prevention, data-based decision making, and positive reinforcement has been implemented in thousands of schools worldwide.
72.Rob Horner (1948-present)
A founder of positive behavior support, Horner transformed approaches to challenging behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. His emphasis on functional assessment and creating environments that promote success has influenced practice across settings.
73.Ann Turnbull (1947-present)
Turnbull’s work on family-professional partnerships transformed how behavior support involves families. Her emphasis on family quality of life as an outcome measure influenced person-centered planning approaches.
74.Lynn Koegel (1952-present)
Co-developer of Pivotal Response Treatment for autism, Koegel identified key behaviors that, when targeted, produce widespread improvements. Her naturalistic teaching approach transformed intervention by emphasizing motivation and child initiative.
75.Glen Dunlap (1952-present)
A pioneer in positive behavior support, Dunlap developed Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR), a standardized approach to addressing challenging behaviors in schools. His research demonstrated the effectiveness of function-based interventions.
76.Brenda Smith Myles (1957-present)
A leading expert on Asperger Syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, Myles developed the Hidden Curriculum approach to teaching social expectations. Her structured visual supports have transformed behavior management for individuals with social challenges.
77.Laura Schreibman (1947-present)
A pioneer in naturalistic behavioral interventions for autism, Schreibman’s research demonstrated the importance of individualized treatment. Her work on pivotal response training influenced more child-centered ABA approaches.
78.Carol Gray (1946-present)
Creator of Social Stories™, Gray developed a systematic approach to teaching social understanding through personalized narratives. This structured visual strategy has transformed behavior management for individuals with social cognitive challenges.
79.Edward Carr (1947-2009)
Carr transformed understanding of challenging behavior by recognizing its communicative function. His shift from aversive control to teaching communication alternatives revolutionized intervention approaches and laid groundwork for positive behavior support.
80.Diane Browder (1951-present)
Browder’s research on teaching academic skills to students with significant disabilities transformed expectations and approaches. Her systematic instruction techniques have influenced inclusive education practices worldwide.
Applied Behavior Analysis
81.Ted Carr (1949-2009)
Carr’s pioneering work on functional assessment of challenging behavior transformed intervention approaches. His shift toward positive behavior support emphasized quality of life and values alongside behavior change.
82.Jack Michael (1926-2020)
Michael’s analysis of motivating operations explained how momentary environmental changes affect behavior value. His precise conceptual analysis improved behavior-analytic practice and expanded beyond simple reinforcement.
83.Beth Sulzer-Azaroff (1931-present)
A pioneer in performance management and educational applications of behavior analysis, Sulzer-Azaroff’s work on staff training, safety behaviors, and instructional supervision transformed organizational behavior management.
84.Murray Sidman (1923-2019)
Sidman’s research on equivalence relations explained how humans form connections between stimuli without direct training. His work on coercion highlighted the negative effects of aversive control, influencing ethical behavior management.
85.R. Douglas Greer (1940-present)
Developer of Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS®), Greer transformed educational approaches for children with and without disabilities. His identification of verbal developmental cusps improved language instruction.
86.Jon Bailey (1944-present)
Bailey’s work on ethics in behavior analysis established professional standards for the field. His research on treatment acceptability emphasized the importance of social validity in behavior management.
87.Timothy Vollmer (1963-present)
Vollmer’s research on functional analysis and reinforcement schedules has improved assessment and treatment precision. His work on response class hierarchies explained how intervention for one behavior affects alternatives.
88.Brian Iwata (1948-present)
Iwata’s functional analysis methodology transformed assessment of severe behavior problems. His rigorous experimental approach to identifying behavioral function improved treatment specificity and effectiveness.
89.Mark Sundberg (1949-present)
Developer of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), Sundberg applied Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to language assessment and intervention. His work transformed language training approaches in ABA.
90.Judith Favell (1948-present)
Favell’s work on reducing restraint and seclusion transformed institutional practices. Her research demonstrated that behavioral approaches could effectively replace aversive procedures, influencing policy and practice nationwide.
Technology and Innovation in Behavior Management
91.Pat Friman (1953-present)
As a leader in making behavioral interventions accessible, Friman has transformed how behavior analytic principles are communicated to parents and teachers. His work on common childhood problems has extended behavior management to everyday challenges.
92.Richard Foxx (1944-present)
Foxx’s development of effective toilet training, social skills instruction, and token reinforcement systems has transformed practical applications of behavior analysis. His attention to social validity improved intervention acceptability.
93.Matt Israel (1933-present)
Though controversial for his use of aversive procedures, Israel’s development of behavior recording technology and precise measurement systems influenced methodological approaches in behavior management.
94.Richard Malott (1937-present)
Malott’s concept of “direct acting contingencies” explained why humans respond to rules despite delayed natural consequences. His metaphorical analysis made complex behavioral principles accessible to practitioners.
95.Dennis Reid (1944-present)
Reid’s work on staff training and quality improvement in human service settings transformed organizational behavior management in care facilities. His performance feedback systems improved staff implementation of behavioral procedures.
96.Ron Van Houten (1945-present)
Van Houten’s applications of behavior analysis to community issues like pedestrian safety, speeding, and pollution transformed public policy approaches. His large-scale interventions demonstrated the power of behavioral principles at the population level.
97.Julie Vargas (1938-present)
Daughter of B.F. Skinner and president of the B.F. Skinner Foundation, Vargas has promoted precision teaching and direct instruction. Her work on instructional design has influenced educational practices worldwide.
98.David Wacker (1950-present)
Wacker’s development of brief functional analysis made behavioral assessment more accessible in outpatient settings. His telehealth applications extended behavior management services to rural and underserved populations.
99.Shahla Ala’i-Rosales (1957-present)
Ala’i-Rosales’s work on compassionate ethics in behavior analysis has transformed training and practice standards. Her emphasis on cultural responsiveness has improved service delivery across diverse populations.
100.William Heward (1946-present)
Through his widely-used textbooks and teacher training materials, Heward has made behavior principles accessible to generations of educators. His practical applications of applied behavior analysis have influenced countless classrooms.
Conclusion
The field of behavior management has evolved dramatically from its early focus on stimulus-response connections to today’s sophisticated understanding of cognitive, social, emotional, and environmental influences on behavior. These 100 influential figures represent diverse theoretical orientations, from strict behaviorism to cognitive-behavioral approaches, positive psychology, and humanistic perspectives. What unites them is their commitment to understanding behavior systematically and developing effective, evidence-based strategies for positive change.
As we look to the future, behavior management continues to evolve through interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and increasing emphasis on person-centered, culturally responsive approaches. The legacy of these influential figures lives on in classrooms, clinics, organizations, and communities worldwide, where their principles guide daily practices that improve human lives through better understanding and influencing of behavior.
