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Functional analysis of inappropriate mealtime behaviors
Cathleen C Piazza1, Wayne W Fisher, Kimberly A Brown
1Marcus Institute, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|July 16, 2003
Summary
Functional analysis of feeding disorders revealed that common parental responses often worsen mealtime behaviors in children. This study highlights the need for effective assessment and treatment strategies for severe feeding issues.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Background:
- Severe feeding disorders in children present significant challenges for families.
- Parental responses to inappropriate mealtime behaviors can inadvertently maintain or exacerbate these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the Iwata et al. (1982/1994) functional analysis methodology to assess inappropriate mealtime behaviors in children with severe feeding disorders.
- To identify environmental consequences that may be maintaining problem behaviors during mealtimes.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive assessments of parent-child interactions during meals were conducted (Study 1).
- Analogue functional analyses systematically tested the effects of common parental consequences on child behavior (Study 2).
Main Results:
- Parental consequences included coaxing, reprimanding, meal avoidance, and providing preferred foods/toys.
- These consequences worsened mealtime behaviors for 67% (10 of 15) of the children studied.
Conclusions:
- The functional analysis methodology is a valuable tool for identifying maintaining variables in pediatric feeding disorders.
- Standard parental consequences may be counterproductive, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.