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Prompts, feedback, positive reinforcement, and potty training

Sarah M Halligan1, Paul D Luyben

  • 1Department of Psychology, State University of New York College at Cortland, Cortland, New York 13045, USA.

Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community
|July 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study shows a successful potty training intervention for two girls, involving increased fluids, prompting, and rewards. The intervention significantly reduced wet diapers and increased potty use, demonstrating effective behavioral strategies for toilet training.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Behavioral Psychology
  • Child Development and Behavior

Background:

  • Delayed potty training is a common concern for parents.
  • Effective interventions are crucial for successful toilet learning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate an intervention for improving potty training in young girls.
  • To decrease frequency of wet diapers and increase potty use.

Main Methods:

  • An intervention combining increased fluid/salty food intake, prompting, and positive reinforcement was implemented.
  • An "Princess Underwear!" reward was used as a powerful reinforcer.
  • An ABC (A-baseline, B-intervention, A-baseline) design was employed for each child.

Main Results:

  • Significant increases in potty use were observed during the intervention phase.
  • A significant decrease in the frequency of wet diapers was noted.
  • The intervention demonstrated consistent positive effects on toilet training behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • The implemented intervention was effective in improving potty training outcomes.
  • Behavioral strategies, including reinforcement, can successfully address delayed toilet learning.
  • The findings support the intervention's efficacy in promoting independent toileting skills.

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