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Facilitating tolerance of delayed reinforcement during functional communication training
W W Fisher1, R H Thompson, L P Hagopian
1Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Behavior Modification
|January 21, 2000
Summary
This study explored teaching individuals to tolerate delayed reinforcement using functional communication training and extinction. Techniques like reinforcer delay fading effectively reduced destructive behaviors across participants.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Delayed reinforcement is a critical aspect of self-control, yet few clinical studies address it.
- Destructive behaviors are often maintained by immediate positive reinforcement, posing treatment challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of functional communication training (FCT) combined with extinction (EXT) and procedures from basic research on delayed reinforcement.
- To teach individuals to tolerate increasing delays in reinforcement for their behavior.
Main Methods:
- Three participants with destructive behavior maintained by positive reinforcement were treated.
- Functional communication training (FCT) with extinction (EXT) was implemented.
- Procedures including reinforcer delay fading, punishment of impulsive responding, and alternative activities were used to teach tolerance for delayed reinforcement.
Main Results:
- Reinforcer delay fading alone was sufficient for one participant.
- Adding a punishment component significantly reduced destructive behavior and aided delay fading in another participant.
- Prompting and praise for work completion during delays reduced problem behaviors and facilitated delay fading in the third participant.
Conclusions:
- Functional communication training (FCT) combined with extinction (EXT) and tailored delay-tolerance procedures can effectively treat destructive behaviors maintained by immediate reinforcement.
- Individualized treatment packages incorporating delay fading, punishment, and alternative activities are crucial for teaching tolerance of delayed reinforcement.