What behavior modification technique is being used when a client is encouraged to sing instead of using swear words?

The behavior modification technique being used in this scenario is indeed reinforcing incompatible behaviors. This approach focuses on encouraging a client to engage in a more appropriate behavior instead of the undesired one—in this case, substituting singing for swearing. By promoting singing, the client is practicing an alternative behavior that cannot occur simultaneously with swearing, essentially replacing it with something positive and socially acceptable.

Reinforcing incompatible behaviors is often employed to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms in various situations. This technique relies on the premise that if a behavior is incompatible with the undesired behavior, enhancing or reinforcing the incompatible behavior will lead to a decrease in the undesired behavior over time. In this scenario, by encouraging singing, the practitioner provides an engaging and constructive outlet that diverts the client from the negative behavior of swearing.

Other techniques mentioned, such as token economies, involve the use of tangible rewards for desired behaviors but do not directly encourage the substitution of one behavior for another. Similarly, positive and negative reinforcement focus on the application or removal of stimuli to increase the likelihood of a specific behavior but do not naturally involve promoting a new, incompatible behavior as a direct substitute.