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Functional analysis and treatment of noncompliance by preschool children

David A Wilder1, Carelle Harris, Renee Reagan

  • 1Florida Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, Florida 32901, USA. dawilder@fit.edu

Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|May 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Preschool noncompliance, often linked to losing preferred activities, was successfully managed using a differential reinforcement strategy. This method provided rewards for compliance, effectively increasing cooperative behavior in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Analysis
  • Early Childhood Education

Background:

  • Noncompliance in preschoolers is a common challenge for educators and parents.
  • Understanding the maintaining variables of noncompliance is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Preferred activities often play a significant role in maintaining child behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the function of noncompliance in two preschoolers.
  • To implement and evaluate a differential reinforcement procedure to increase compliance.

Main Methods:

  • A functional analysis was conducted to determine the reinforcement maintaining noncompliance.
  • A differential reinforcement procedure was implemented, using coupons for access to preferred activities as a reinforcer.
  • Intervention effectiveness was measured by changes in compliance rates.

Main Results:

  • Noncompliance was most frequent when it led to the termination of a preferred activity, indicating positive reinforcement.
  • The differential reinforcement procedure significantly increased compliance for both participating children.
  • Contingent access to coupons, exchangeable for uninterrupted activity time, served as an effective reinforcer.

Conclusions:

  • Noncompliance in young children can be effectively managed by targeting the maintaining reinforcement.
  • Differential reinforcement procedures, utilizing contingent access to preferred activities, offer a viable strategy for increasing compliance.
  • Functional analysis is a valuable tool for identifying behavioral functions and guiding intervention in early childhood settings.

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