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Adverse effects of differential parental attention
T E Sajwaj1, S Pinkston, G Cordua
1University of Kansas.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|April 1, 1973
Summary
Parent training using differential attention unexpectedly increased deviant child behaviors in most cases. This highlights the need for careful evaluation of operant techniques in behavior analysis programs.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Analysis
- Parent Training Interventions
Background:
- Parental attention is a key factor in shaping child behavior.
- Differential attention is a common operant technique used in parent training.
- Previous research suggests differential attention effectively reduces deviant behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of differential attention procedures in parent training for young children with deviant behaviors.
- To examine the generalizability of differential attention effects across different children.
Main Methods:
- Two independent parent training projects were conducted in Kansas and Mississippi.
- Mothers were trained to use differential attention to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease deviant behaviors.
- Single-organism, reversal designs were employed to assess the effects of the intervention.
Main Results:
- Differential attention led to substantial increases in deviant behavior for four out of six children.
- Adverse effects were persistent across multiple sessions and replicated in reversal designs.
- One child showed no change, and another showed initial improvement that worsened upon reapplication of the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Differential attention procedures may have unintended adverse effects on child behavior.
- Subject generality is crucial in applied behavior analysis, and interventions must be carefully evaluated.
- Service programs utilizing operant techniques require rigorous assessment of their behavioral impact.
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