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Differential reinforcement as treatment for behavior disorders: procedural and functional variations
1Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Differential reinforcement is a key behavior disorder treatment. Tailoring reinforcement to the behavior's function improves effectiveness, but more research is needed to understand these relationships.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Differential reinforcement is a widely used treatment for behavior disorders.
- Previous research shows variable success rates in reducing challenging behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review procedural variations of differential reinforcement.
- To discuss the functional properties of these procedures.
- To propose a function-based approach for improved treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on differential reinforcement procedures.
- Analysis of the functional properties of different reinforcement strategies.
- Conceptual discussion of function-based treatment considerations.
Main Results:
- Procedural variations of differential reinforcement exist.
- Treatment success is enhanced when reinforcers align with the behavioral function.
- Limited success in prior studies may stem from arbitrary reinforcer selection when function is unknown.
Conclusions:
- A function-based approach to differential reinforcement holds promise.
- Current limitations exist in identifying and manipulating variables relevant to behavioral function.
- Further research is crucial to understand the relationship between aberrant behaviors and maintaining variables for effective treatment development.