Experimental analysis of precursors to severe problem behavior.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Applied behavior analysis

Background:

• Mild problem behaviors can precede severe problem behaviors, acting as precursors.
• These precursor behaviors may be maintained by the same reinforcers as severe behaviors.
• Identifying and intervening with precursors can potentially reduce severe behavior rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an objective method for identifying precursor behaviors.
• To examine the functional relationship between precursor and severe problem behaviors.
• To evaluate a treatment strategy targeting precursor behaviors to reduce severe problem behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: Developed and validated an objective checklist to identify precursors from videotaped trials.
• Study 2: Conducted separate functional analyses of precursor and severe problem behaviors.
• Study 3: Implemented a treatment package involving noncontingent reinforcement and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior.

Main Results:

• An objective checklist successfully identified at least one precursor for all subjects.
• Functional analyses showed correspondence between precursor and severe problem behavior outcomes in most cases.
• The treatment strategy effectively reduced precursor behaviors and increased appropriate behaviors, maintaining low rates of severe behavior.

Conclusions:

• Precursor behaviors can be reliably identified using objective measures.
• Intervening on precursor behaviors is a viable strategy for reducing severe problem behaviors.
• The evaluated treatment is effective for behaviors maintained by both positive and negative reinforcement.