Nathan Azrin

Nathan H. Azrin

Born	(1930-11-26)November 26, 1930
Birth place	Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Died	March 29, 2013(2013-03-29) (aged 82)
Place of death	Rolling Meadows, Illinois, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Applied behavior analysis, Behavior modification, Toilet training

Nathan H. Azrin (November 26, 1930 – March 29, 2013) was an influential American psychologist and a pioneer in the field of behavior modification and applied behavior analysis. His work significantly contributed to the development of treatments for behavioral issues and the training of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Early Life and Education

Nathan Azrin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard University, where he received his Ph.D. in psychology under the supervision of B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in the development of behavioral psychology.

Career

Azrin began his career at Southern Illinois University, where he was instrumental in developing the field of applied behavior analysis. He was known for his innovative research methods and practical applications of behavioral principles. One of his notable contributions was the development of the Token economy, a system used widely in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and other institutions to encourage desirable behavior and discourage undesirable behavior.

Contributions to Psychology

Azrin made several significant contributions to psychology, particularly in the areas of behavior modification and therapy. He developed numerous behavioral techniques, such as:

• Positive reinforcement schedules
• Time-out from positive reinforcement
• Job Club, a method for helping unemployed individuals find jobs
• Community Reinforcement Approach, which addresses alcoholism

He also co-developed the Toilet Training in Less Than a Day method with Dr. Richard M. Foxx, which revolutionized approaches to toilet training for children, including those with developmental disabilities.

Personal Life and Death

Azrin was married and had children. He passed away on March 29, 2013, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, after a long illness.

Legacy

Nathan Azrin's work has left a lasting impact on the field of psychology, particularly in how behavioral therapies are applied to treat various disorders. His approaches and methods continue to influence therapies and interventions within the realm of behavioral psychology.

Selected Publications

Azrin published extensively throughout his career. Some of his notable publications include:

• Toilet Training in Less Than a Day
• The Token Economy: A Motivational System for Therapy and Rehabilitation

See Also

• Behavior therapy
• Operant conditioning
• Experimental analysis of behavior