An evaluation of two differential reinforcement procedures with escape extinction to treat food refusal.

Full Abstract

Consumption of solids and liquids occurs as a chain of behaviors that may include accepting, swallowing, and retaining the food or drink. In the current investigation, we evaluated the relative effectiveness of differential reinforcement of the first behavior in the chain (acceptance) versus differential reinforcement for the terminal behavior in the chain (mouth clean). Three children who had been diagnosed with a feeding disorder participated. Acceptance remained at zero when differential reinforcement contingencies were implemented for acceptance or mouth clean. Acceptance and mouth clean increased for all 3 participants once escape extinction was added to the differential reinforcement procedures, independent of whether reinforcement was provided for acceptance or for mouth clean. Maintenance was observed in 2 children when escape extinction was removed from the treatment package. The mechanism by which consumption increased is discussed in relation to positive and negative reinforcement contingencies.

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Author information

Author/s: Patel, Meeta R (MR); Piazza, Cathleen C (CC); Martinez, Cheryl J (CJ); Volkert, Valerie M (VM); Christine, M Santana (MS);

Affiliation: Marcus Institute, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.

Grants: 1 K24 HD01380-01 (Agency:United States NICHD)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of applied behavior analysis (J Appl Behav Anal), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 35 (issue 4) : pp 363-74

Dates: Created 2003/01/30; Completed 2003/05/01; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12555908, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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