Glossary
Overcorrection
What is Overcorrection?
Overcorrection, in the behavior change taxonomy, asks a person to repeat a wanted behavior in an exaggerated way after an unwanted behavior.
Scope and distinctions
This is the taxonomy’s operational definition. Historical clinical uses also distinguished restitutional overcorrection, restoring the environment beyond its previous state, from positive-practice overcorrection, repeatedly practicing the wanted behavior. The taxonomy uses the narrower practice definition above. Classification does not establish that imposing it is appropriate or effective.
Illustrative example
In a hypothetical training exercise, an omitted checking step is followed by repeated practice of the correct check.
Evidence and limits
The original BCT Taxonomy v1 definitions specify this as technique 8.5. The taxonomy provides a shared vocabulary for describing interventions. It does not, by itself, show that this technique changes behavior or establish which implementation is most effective.