Assessment and treatment of problem behavior maintained by mand compliance

Zina Eluri1, Ivette Andrade1, Noemi Trevino1

  • 1University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

Insights

This study modified functional analysis to reinforce child mands, reducing problem behaviors with a token system. This approach helps manage compliance and build tolerance for adult-directed situations.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Background:

  • Functional analysis is key to understanding behavior.
  • Child mands can be reinforced by adult compliance.

Observation:

  • Problem behavior was reinforced by adult compliance with child mands.
  • A token system with response cost and discriminative stimuli was implemented.

Findings:

  • The token system effectively reduced problem behavior.
  • Compliance with mands was identified as a reinforcer.

Implications:

  • This procedure offers a controlled way to manage adult compliance with child mands.
  • It can be used when continuous compliance is not feasible.
  • The method may help children tolerate adult-directed situations.

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