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Sheridan DJ, Rapp JT, Edgemon AK, Pinkston JW. Assessing stimulus preference using response force in a conjugate preparation: A replication and extension. J Exp Anal Behav 2024; 122:25-41. [PMID: 38837371 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The current study examined 98 participants' preferences for five pictorial stimuli. The researchers used a verbal multiple-stimulus-without-replacement (VMSWO) preference assessment with each participant to identify high-preference and low-preference pictorial stimuli. Next, participants viewed each pictorial stimulus in a randomized order on a computer while using a hand dynamometer that measured the amount of force they exerted to increase or maintain the visual clarity of each image. The results indicate that over 75% of participants' force response ranks corresponded with participants' VMSWO high-preference stimuli, VMSWO low-preference stimuli, or both. The results of the current study provide further evidence for the use of conjugate schedules in the assessment of stimulus preference with potential for use as a reinforcer assessment. Implications along with directions for future research and limitations of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Sheridan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - John T Rapp
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Anna Kate Edgemon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Jonathan W Pinkston
- Department of Psychology, Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA
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2
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Hurd AM, Brown KR, Randall KR. Stimulus Avoidance Assessment: A Systematic Literature Review. Perspect Behav Sci 2024; 47:139-166. [PMID: 38660499 PMCID: PMC11035527 DOI: 10.1007/s40614-024-00398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Board certified behavior analysts are ethically required to first address destructive behavior using reinforcement-based and other less intrusive procedures before considering the use of restrictive or punishment-based procedures (ethics standard 2.15; Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020). However, the inclusion of punishment in reinforcement-based treatments may be warranted in some cases of severe forms of destructive behavior that poses risk of harm to the client or others. In these cases, behavior analysts are required to base the selection of treatment components on empirical assessment results (ethics standard 2.14; Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020). One such preintervention assessment is the stimulus avoidance assessment (SAA), which allows clinicians to identify a procedure that is likely to function as a punisher. Since the inception of this assessment approach, no studies have conducted a systematic literature review of published SAA cases. These data may be pertinent to examine the efficacy, generality, and best practices for the SAA. The current review sought to address this gap by synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed published literature including (1) the phenomenology and epidemiology of the population partaking in the SAA; (2) procedural variations of the SAA across studies (e.g., number of series, session length); (3) important quality indicators of the SAA (i.e., procedural integrity, social validity); and (4) how the SAA informed final treatment efficacy. We discuss findings in the context of the clinical use of the SAA and suggest several avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M. Hurd
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence, 6405 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84321 USA
| | - Katherine R. Brown
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Sorenson Center for Clinical Excellence, 6405 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84321 USA
| | - Kayla R. Randall
- Department of Psychology, Georgia Southern University, Savannah, GA USA
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3
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Sloman KN, Torres-Viso M, Edelstein ML, Schulman RK. The role of task preference in the effectiveness of response interruption and redirection. J Appl Behav Anal 2024; 57:444-454. [PMID: 38379177 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Response interruption and redirection (RIRD) is a common treatment for automatically reinforced vocal stereotypy; it involves the contingent presentation of task instructions. Tasks that are included in RIRD are typically selected based on caregiver report, which may affect the efficacy of RIRD. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the role of task preference in the efficacy of RIRD for four participants who engaged in vocal stereotypy. We conducted task-preference assessments and selected tasks of varying preferences to include in RIRD. For three out of four participants, the results showed that RIRD with higher preference tasks was not effective at reducing vocal stereotypy, whereas RIRD with lower preference tasks was effective for all participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly N Sloman
- The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, USA
| | | | - Matthew L Edelstein
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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4
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Schmidt JD, Goetzel AL, Rooker G, Falligant JM, Beard L. Clinical applications of a brief experimental analysis for problem behavior: Analysis of treatment effects and durability. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D. Schmidt
- Department of Behavioral Psychology Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Amanda L. Goetzel
- Department of Behavioral Psychology Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Griffin Rooker
- Department of Behavioral Psychology Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - John Michael Falligant
- Department of Behavioral Psychology Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Lisa Beard
- Department of Behavioral Psychology Kennedy Krieger Institute Baltimore Maryland USA
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5
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Empirically derived consequences to treat rumination. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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6
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Falligant JM, McNulty MK, Hausman NL, Rooker GW. Using dual‐criteria methods to supplement visual inspection: Replication and extension. J Appl Behav Anal 2019; 53:1789-1798. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole L. Hausman
- Kennedy Krieger Institute & Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Griffin W. Rooker
- Kennedy Krieger Institute & Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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7
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Verriden AL, Roscoe EM. An evaluation of a punisher assessment for decreasing automatically reinforced problem behavior. J Appl Behav Anal 2018; 52:205-226. [PMID: 30238452 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We extended research on the identification and evaluation of potential punishers for decreasing automatically reinforced problem behavior in four individuals with autism spectrum disorder. A punisher selection interview was conducted with lead clinicians to identify socially acceptable punishers. During the treatment evaluation, treatment phases were introduced sequentially and included noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), NCR and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA), and NCR-and-DRA with punishment. During the NCR-and-DRA with punishment phase, four to five potential punishers were evaluated using a multielement design. Dependent measures included the target problem behavior, appropriate item engagement, and emotional responding. For all participants, NCR-and-DRA was not effective and punishment was necessary. However, the most effective punisher identified in the context of NCR-and-DRA differed across participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eileen M Roscoe
- Western New England University.,The New England Center for Children
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8
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Manente CJ, LaRue RH. Treatment of self-injurious behavior using differential punishment of high rates of behavior (DPH). BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Manente
- Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Robert H. LaRue
- Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
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9
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Greer BD, Fisher WW. Treatment of Socially Reinforced Problem Behavior. HANDBOOK OF TREATMENTS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61738-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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10
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Jessel J, Hanley GP, Ghaemmaghami M. Interview-informed synthesized contingency analyses: Thirty replications and reanalysis. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:576-95. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jessel
- Western New England University and Child Study Center
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11
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DeRosa NM, Roane HS, Bishop JR, Silkowski EL. The combined effects of noncontingent reinforcement and punishment on the reduction of rumination. J Appl Behav Anal 2016; 49:680-5. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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12
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Sy JR, Green L, Gratz O, Ervin T. An Evaluation of the Effects of a Mild Delayed Verbal Punisher on Choice of an Immediate Reinforcer by Children With Autism. Behav Modif 2016; 40:713-30. [PMID: 26762626 DOI: 10.1177/0145445515622382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Different combinations of immediate and delayed consequences differentially affect choice. Basic research has found that nonhuman animals are more likely to choose an alternative that produces an immediate reinforcer that is followed by a delayed punisher as the delay to punishment increases. The purpose of the current effort was to examine the choices of three individuals with autism when they were given the choice between receiving a larger amount of preferred food followed by a mild, delayed verbal punisher and a smaller amount of the preferred food. A secondary purpose was to determine whether signal presence and duration would affect the efficacy of the punisher (i.e., whether children would be more likely to select the smaller reward that was not followed by a delayed punisher). Results were idiosyncratic across children and highlight the need to evaluate choice under multiple arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolene R Sy
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD, USA
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13
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Kurtz PF, Chin MD, Robinson AN, O'Connor JT, Hagopian LP. Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 43-44:150-166. [PMID: 26183339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of function-based interventions for the treatment of severe problem behavior exhibited by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is well established. However, few studies have reported on behavioral interventions in fragile X syndrome (FXS) specifically. The present study is a consecutive case-series analysis that reports on functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior of nine children with FXS. Assessment findings were consistent with previous research indicating that among individuals with FXS, problem behavior is more commonly maintained by escape from demands and access to tangible items, relative to the broader population of individuals with IDD. Functional analysis-based behavioral interventions resulted in a mean reduction in problem behavior of 95.2% across the nine participants. Additionally, generalization of treatment effects from controlled clinical settings to home, school, and community was demonstrated. The current findings suggest that function-based behavioral interventions shown to be effective with the broader population of individuals with IDD are also effective for individuals with FXS. Our results in combination with those of previous studies describing functional analysis outcomes provide additional evidence for a unique functional behavioral phenotype for severe problem behavior in individuals with FXS. Implications of study findings for early intervention and prevention of problem behavior in children with FXS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Kurtz
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | | | - Ashley N Robinson
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Julia T O'Connor
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Louis P Hagopian
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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14
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Lydon S, Healy O, Moran L, Foody C. A quantitative examination of punishment research. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 36C:470-484. [PMID: 25462507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The current review examined 368 articles, published between 1967 and 2013, which evaluated punishment-based procedures for the treatment of challenging behavior among persons with developmental disabilities and quantitatively analyzed: (a) the amount of research that has assessed different types of punishment procedures; (b) the characteristics of the participants, behaviors, and treatments included in these studies, and (c) the relative efficacy of the various punishment procedures in general and with regard to the inclusion of reinforcement-based components, method of treatment selection and development, and function of the targeted challenging behaviors. Further, the study evaluated the included studies for the presence of important quality indicators. It was intended that such an analysis would provide a useful overview of the extant research on punishment procedures as a behavior reduction technique. Suggestions regarding research methodology and areas for further investigation are made for future research evaluating punishment-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Moran
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ciara Foody
- National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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15
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Exploring the Clinical Utility of a Stimulus Avoidance Assessment to Enhance a Relaxation Training Model. Behav Anal Pract 2014; 8:57-61. [PMID: 27703882 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-014-0035-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The current case study explored the clinical utility of a stimulus avoidance assessment during relaxation training with an adult with an autism spectrum disorder. A multiple stimulus without replacement procedure was implemented with aversive events to identify an aversive situation hierarchy. Aversive events were then systematically presented during the analogue phase of relaxation training across low, medium, and highly aversive events. Results support a clinical utility of using stimulus assessments to inform relaxation training, while suggesting further modifications to relaxation training protocols for generalization of skills.
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16
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Groskreutz NC, Groskreutz MP, Bloom SE, Slocum TA. Generalization of negatively reinforced mands in children with autism. J Appl Behav Anal 2014; 47:560-79. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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17
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Rooker GW, Jessel J, Kurtz PF, Hagopian LP. Functional communication training with and without alternative reinforcement and punishment: An analysis of 58 applications. J Appl Behav Anal 2013; 46:708-22. [DOI: 10.1002/jaba.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Griffin W. Rooker
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Joshua Jessel
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Patricia F. Kurtz
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Louis P. Hagopian
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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18
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Martinez CK, Betz AM. Response interruption and redirection: current research trends and clinical application. J Appl Behav Anal 2013; 46:549-54. [PMID: 24114172 DOI: 10.1002/jaba.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to provide a review of recent literature on response interruption and redirection (RIRD), a treatment for stereotypy. We discuss procedural variations and the potential mechanisms that are responsible for the effectiveness of RIRD. Clinical considerations and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
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19
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Abstract
The authors present a case study of an 8-year-old boy with autism who engaged in operant vomiting. Functional assessment indicated that vomiting persisted in the absence of social reinforcement. After interventions involving noncontingent access to preferred items, differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), and DRO plus time out failed to produce clinically significant decreases in vomiting, we implemented a contingent mouthwash procedure and a contingent visual screen (VS) procedure. The results show that the contingent mouthwash produced only temporary decreases in vomiting whereas the VS procedure gradually decreased the boy’s vomiting to zero levels over the course of 23 weeks. In addition, a 4-month follow-up assessment showed that ongoing implementation of the VS procedure produced zero levels of vomiting. The gradual reduction in the boy’s vomiting following the introduction of the VS procedure suggests that the intervention extinguished one or more of the sensory consequences that were formerly produced by vomiting.
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20
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Langdon NA, Carr EG, Owen-DeSchryver JS. Functional Analysis of Precursors for Serious Problem Behavior and Related Intervention. Behav Modif 2008; 32:804-27. [DOI: 10.1177/0145445508317943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Precursor behaviors are innocuous behaviors that reliably precede the occurrence of problem behavior. Intervention efforts applied to precursors might prevent the occurrence of severe problem behavior. We examined the relationship between precursor behavior and problem behavior in three individuals with developmental disabilities. First, a descriptive (correlational) assessment focusing on transitional probabilities, which established that problem behavior typically followed precursor behavior, was conducted. Next, a functional (experimental) analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between precursor and problem behavior. Results suggested that these two behaviors served the same function. Finally, in the intervention phase, participants were taught a response that was functionally equivalent to the precursor behavior. Results demonstrated a decrease in the frequency of problem behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that prevention efforts might profitably be focused on precursor behavior. Further implications for the use of functional analysis and functional communication training in prevention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A. Langdon
- State University of New York at Stony Brook Developmental Disabilities Institute
| | - Edward G. Carr
- State University of New York at Stony Brook Developmental Disabilities Institute,
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21
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Page TJ, Perrin FA, Tessing JL, Vorndran CM, Edmonds D. Beyond treatment of individual behavior problems: an effective residential continuum of care for individuals with severe behavior problems. BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/bin.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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22
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Hanley GP, Piazza CC, Fisher WW, Maglieri KA. On the effectiveness of and preference for punishment and extinction components of function-based interventions. J Appl Behav Anal 2005; 38:51-65. [PMID: 15898474 PMCID: PMC1224409 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2005.6-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The current study describes an assessment sequence that may be used to identify individualized, effective, and preferred interventions for severe problem behavior in lieu of relying on a restricted set of treatment options that are assumed to be in the best interest of consumers. The relative effectiveness of functional communication training (FCT) with and without a punishment component was evaluated with 2 children for whom functional analyses demonstrated behavioral maintenance via social positive reinforcement. The results showed that FCT plus punishment was more effective than FCT in reducing problem behavior. Subsequently, participants' relative preference for each treatment was evaluated in a concurrent-chains arrangement, and both participants demonstrated a dear preference for FCT with punishment. These findings suggest that the treatment-selection process may be guided by person-centered and evidence-based values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Hanley
- Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA.
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23
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Toole LM, DeLeon IG, Kahng S, Ruffin GE, Pletcher CA, Bowman LG. Re-evaluation of constant versus varied punishers using empirically derived consequences. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2004; 25:577-586. [PMID: 15541633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2004.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2004] [Revised: 03/01/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Charlop, Burgio, Iwata, and Ivancic [J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 21 (1988) 89] demonstrated that varied punishment procedures produced greater or more consistent reductions of problem behavior than a constant punishment procedure. More recently, Fisher and colleagues [Res. Dev. Disabil. 15 (1994) 133; J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 27 (1994) 447] developed a systematic methodology for predicting the efficacy of various punishment procedures. Their procedure identified reinforcers and punishers (termed "empirically derived consequences" or EDC) that, when used in combination, reduced the destructive behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities who displayed automatically maintained destructive behavior. The current investigation combines these two lines of research by comparing the effects of constant versus varied punishers on the self-injury of two individuals with developmental disabilities. The punishing stimuli were selected via the procedures described by Fisher et al. and were predicted to be at varying levels of effectiveness. The varied presentation of punishers resulted in enhanced suppressive effects over the constant presentation of a punisher for one of two individuals, but only in comparison to a single stimulus predicted to be minimally effective. Even then, the differences were small. These results suggest that the additive effects of varied punishment are negligible if clinicians use stimuli predicted to be effective and are discussed in terms of the conditions under which stimulus variation could potentially enhance the effects of punishers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Toole
- Kennedy Krieger Institute and University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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24
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Kurtz PF, Chin MD, Huete JM, Tarbox RSF, O'Connor JT, Paclawskyj TR, Rush KS. Functional analysis and treatment of self-injurious behavior in young children a summary of 30 cases. J Appl Behav Anal 2003; 36:205-19. [PMID: 12858985 PMCID: PMC1284433 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2003.36-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The assessment and treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) has received much attention in the literature; however, few studies have focused on early intervention for this behavior. In the current study, functional analyses with developmentally appropriate modifications were conducted in an outpatient clinic with 30 children (aged 10 months to 4 years 11 months) to assess SIB and problem behavior in its early stages. The reported mean age of SIB onset was 17 months, and head banging was the most prevalent topography. Functional analyses identified sources of reinforcement for SIB in 62.1% of cases; with the inclusion of all forms of problem behavior, sources of reinforcement were identified for 87.5% of cases. Function-based treatments were developed for 24 cases, with functional communication training prescribed most often (70.8% of cases). Implications of these findings for the development of early intervention programs for SIB are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia F Kurtz
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Neurobehavioral Unit/OP Clinic, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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25
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Lerman DC, Vorndran CM. On the status of knowledge for using punishment implications for treating behavior disorders. J Appl Behav Anal 2002; 35:431-64. [PMID: 12555918 PMCID: PMC1284409 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2002.35-431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we review basic and applied findings on punishment and discuss the importance of conducting further research in this area. The characteristics of responding during punishment and numerous factors that interact with basic processes are delineated in conjunction with implications for the treatment of behavior disorders in clinical populations. We conclude that further understanding of punishment processes is needed to develop a highly systematic, effective technology of behavior change, including strategies for improving the efficacy of less intrusive procedures and for successfully fading treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea C Lerman
- Louisiana State University and The Louisiana Center for Excellence in Autism, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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26
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27
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Zarcone JR, Crosland K, Fisher WW, Worsdell AS, Herman K. A brief method for conducting a negative-reinforcement assessment. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 1999; 20:107-124. [PMID: 10198942 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-4222(98)00036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A brief negative-reinforcement assessment was conducted with developmentally disabled children with severe destructive behavior. Five children were trained to engage in a simple escape response (e.g., a hand clap). Then each child was presented with a variety of stimuli or tasks that ranged on a scale from preferred to nonpreferred, based on parent ranking. The participant received a brief break from the stimuli or task, contingent on each escape response. For one child, an avoidance contingency was also implemented in which he could engage in the response to avoid the presentation of stimuli. Results showed that for each child, several stimuli were identified that may serve as effective negative reinforcers. Results also indicated that the procedure did not elicit any negative side effects for four children and low rates of destructive behavior for the fifth child. For one child, the results of the negative-reinforcement assessment were used to develop an effective treatment for destructive behavior. Additional applications of the reinforcement assessment to treatment interventions is discussed, as well as limitations to the procedure.
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Keuthen NJ, O'Sullivan RL. Behavioral Treatment of Stereotypic Movement Disorders. Psychiatr Ann 1998. [DOI: 10.3928/0048-5713-19980601-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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29
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Shore BA, Babbitt RL, Williams KE, Coe DA, Snyder A. Use of texture fading in the treatment of food selectivity. J Appl Behav Anal 1998; 31:621-33. [PMID: 9891398 PMCID: PMC1284152 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Children with feeding disorders often display severe food selectivity. For many of these children, consuming highly textured foods may be aversive or potentially dangerous because of frequent gagging. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of texture fading in the treatment of food selectivity displayed by 4 children. Treatment involved the gradual addition of higher textures based on the results of periodic probes. In addition, food acceptance and swallowing were reinforced, while food refusal and food expulsion were placed on extinction. Results showed that all participants successfully advanced to consumption of age-appropriate texture and volume. The results suggest that texture fading with intermittent probes at higher textures may be an effective method for the treatment of food selectivity by texture.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Shore
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Department of Behavioral Psychology, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Hagopian LP, Fisher WW, Sullivan MT, Acquisto J, LeBlanc LA. Effectiveness of functional communication training with and without extinction and punishment: a summary of 21 inpatient cases. J Appl Behav Anal 1998; 31:211-35. [PMID: 9652101 PMCID: PMC1284113 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1998.31-211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Functional communication training (FCT) is a frequently used treatment for reducing problem behavior exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities. Once the operant function of problem behavior is identified by a functional analysis, the client is taught to emit an appropriate communicative response to obtain the reinforcer that is responsible for behavioral maintenance. Studies on FCT have typically used small numbers of participants, have reported primarily on clients for whom FCT was successful, and have varied with respect to their use of other treatment components. The main purposes of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of FCT for treating severe problem behavior in a relatively large sample of individuals with mental retardation (N = 21) and to determine the contribution of extinction and punishment components to FCT treatment packages. FCT with extinction was effective in reducing problem behavior for the majority of clients and resulted in at least a 90% reduction in problem behavior in nearly half the applications. However, when demand or delay-to-reinforcement fading was added to FCT with extinction, treatment efficacy was reduced in about one half of the applications. FCT with punishment (both with and without fading) resulted in at least a 90% reduction in problem behavior for every case in which it was applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Hagopian
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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31
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Abstract
Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral strategies and a broad range of group, family, couples, and milieu treatment approaches have been developed for the psychotherapy of aggressive and violent patients. These methods have been carried out in diverse settings ranging from hospitals and prisons to individual outpatient practices and have been applied across diverse populations including adults with mental retardation, dementia, and brain injury; children with attention deficit and conduct disorders and autism; recurrent violent offenders with antisocial personality disorder; and individuals with chronic psychotic disorders, mood disorders, or medical illnesses such as hypertension. Bridging these different strategies are the underlying principles of psychotherapy with aggressive and violent patients. These include ensuring the safety of clinician, patient, and potential victims as the foremost concern; developing a finely detailed assessment of aggressive and violent acts and of the antecedents, assumptions, and consequences that are attached to them; formulating well-defined goals and striving for clear communication to achieve consistency in the pursuit of these goals between therapist and patient, and among therapist and other clinicians, staff, and relevant family members or agencies; specifying ahead of time well-considered outcome measures to be used to gauge the effectiveness of treatment; and maintaining a healthy vigilance for countertransferential and similar reactions and a willingness to use consultation as an integral part of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Alpert
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ahearn WH, Kerwin ML, Eicher PS, Shantz J, Swearingin W. An alternating treatments comparison of two intensive interventions for food refusal. J Appl Behav Anal 1996; 29:321-32. [PMID: 8926224 PMCID: PMC1283995 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1996.29-321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We compared two treatment packages involving negative reinforcement contingencies for 3 children with chronic food refusal. One involved physically guiding the child to accept food contingent on noncompliance, whereas the other involved nonremoval of the spoon until the child accepted the presented food. Subsequent to baseline, an alternating treatments comparison was implemented in a multiple baseline design across subjects. After each child had been exposed to at least nine sessions of each treatment condition and percentage of bites accepted had increased to at least 80%, the child's caregivers selected the preferred treatment package. The results indicated that both treatments were effective in establishing food acceptance. However, physical guidance was associated with fewer corollary behaviors, shorter meal durations, and parental preference.
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Sturmey P. Analog baselines: a critical review of the methodology. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 1995; 16:269-284. [PMID: 7480956 DOI: 10.1016/0891-4222(95)00014-e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Analog baselines are an experimental methodology for identifying the functions of maladaptive behavior in the naturally occurring environment (Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982; Iwata et al., 1994). This article identifies a number of potential limitations in this methodology. These include: (a) procedural problems inherent in the use of multielement designs, (b) the fidelity of analog baseline design conditions, (c) the relation of the analog conditions to the naturally occurring environment, (d) a narrow analysis of behavior limited by an implicit adherence to an ABC model of behavior, (e) a limited acknowledgement of multifunction and idiosyncratically motivated behaviors, (f) problems in the definition of response classes, and (g) difficulties in the use of analog baselines to design interventions. Future research should attend to three main questions. First, the convergent validity of different assessment methodologies, including analog baselines, should be evaluated. Future research should attend to procedures that can integrate the entire clinical process of referral, identifying the functions of the target behavior, including other methods of identifying the functions of behavior, treatment design, and implementation. Second, assessment failures could be examined carefully to identify ways of developing this methodology further. Third, the process of designing an intervention depends upon input from many sources of information. The use of analog baselines will be enhanced by a greater understanding of the process of clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sturmey
- Department of Psychology, San Antonio State School, TX 78214, USA
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Kerwin ME, Ahearn WH, Eicher PS, Burd DM. The costs of eating: a behavioral economic analysis of food refusal. J Appl Behav Anal 1995; 28:245-60. [PMID: 7592142 PMCID: PMC1279823 DOI: 10.1901/jaba.1995.28-245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral economic concepts were applied to the analysis and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders in a clinical setting. In Experiment 1, children who chronically refused food were presented with varying amounts of food on a spoon (empty, dipped, quarter, half, and level). Each child exhibited a different but orderly demand function of response (acceptance, expulsion, and mouth clean) by cost (increasing spoon volume) for a constant pay-off of toys and social interaction. In Experiment 2, physical guidance or nonremoval of the spoon for food refusal was initiated at the smallest spoon volume with low levels of acceptance, and was subsequently introduced at the largest spoon volume with moderate levels of acceptance. Treatment was effective in increasing acceptance, and these effects generalized hierarchically across untargeted spoon volumes. The results of both studies provide preliminary support that increasing spoon volume can be equated conceptually with increasing response effort, and that the change from differential reinforcement to physical guidance or nonremoval of the spoon appears to have altered the elasticity of each child's demand function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Kerwin
- Children's Seashore House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4388, USA
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Abstract
Seven attempts to assess the function of self-injurious behavior in a person with profound mental retardation are described. Although repeated correlational and experimental methods were implemented to determine the functional role of this behavior no clear functions were identified. A clinical implication of this case and that this methodology is not all-embracing. Different assumptions should be explored after substantial efforts have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sturmey
- Department of Psychology, San Antonio State School, Abilene, TX 78214
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