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Developing proper mealtime behaviors of the institutionalized retarded
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 1, 1972
Summary
A new program effectively taught proper table manners to institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities. This training significantly improved mealtime behaviors and was easily implemented by staff.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Special Education
Background:
- Institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities often exhibit challenging mealtime behaviors.
- Lack of structured programs contributes to the persistence of improper table manners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a program for teaching proper table manners to institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- To assess the effectiveness of acquisition training and maintenance procedures in improving mealtime behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A program combining verbal instruction, imitation, and manual guidance was used for acquisition training.
- Maintenance procedures included positive reinforcement for proper manners and correction for improper behaviors.
- The study involved twelve individuals with intellectual disabilities receiving individualized training.
Main Results:
- Trained individuals showed significant improvements in table manners compared to untrained controls.
- Trained individuals' eating skills in the institution matched those of non-retarded individuals in public restaurants.
- Proper eating behaviors were successfully maintained in a group dining setting.
Conclusions:
- The developed program is a rapid, feasible, and effective solution for addressing improper mealtime behaviors in institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- The program's success suggests its potential for widespread adoption in institutional settings.
- Easily administered by regular staff, the program offers a practical approach to enhancing dining experiences.
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