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A functional analysis of finger sucking in children

Jason M Stricker1, Raymond G Miltenberger, Christopher F Anderson

  • 1Arlington Developmental Center, USA.

Behavior Modification
|June 26, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This study examined why children engage in finger sucking. Results indicate finger sucking is often maintained by automatic reinforcement, specifically oral and digital sensory stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

  • Finger sucking is a common behavior in children.
  • Understanding the function of finger sucking is crucial for intervention.
  • Previous research suggests automatic reinforcement may maintain this behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally assess the functions of finger sucking in typically developing children.
  • To identify the specific sensory consequences maintaining finger sucking behavior.
  • To explore the potential for reinforcer substitutability for finger sucking.

Main Methods:

  • Functional analysis conducted by parents in the children's natural environment.
  • Sensory attenuation via Band-Aids on fingers and a mild numbing agent for oral stimulation.
  • Assessment of reinforcer substitutability using non-contingent access to mouthing objects.

Main Results:

  • Finger sucking occurred most frequently when children were alone, suggesting automatic reinforcement.
  • Two children's finger sucking was maintained by both oral and digital stimulation.
  • One child's finger sucking was maintained primarily by oral stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • Finger sucking is maintained by automatic reinforcement, with specific sensory components identified.
  • The findings highlight the importance of individualized assessment to determine the function of finger sucking.
  • Understanding these functions can inform targeted interventions for persistent finger sucking.

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