Using Delay Fading Procedures to Increase Self-Control

Children and adolescents, relative to adults, disproportionately favor smaller, immediate outcomes over larger, delayed outcomes. From a behavioral perspective, this sensitivity toward immediate rewards constitutes impulsive choice, which characterizes numerous behavioral health problems commonly observed during childhood (particularly among individuals with neurobehavioral disabilities). Accordingly, a variety of behavioral technologies have been developed and are widely implemented in applied settings (e.g., self-monitoring programs, interdependent group contingencies, individualized token reinforcement programs) to reduce impulsive responding and promote self-control. Although there is a plethora of research literature detailing these interventions, several promising delay fading procedures may also have clinical utility in applied treatment contexts. The purpose of the present review is to highlight contemporary behavior-analytic research involving delay fading procedures that may increase self-control among children and adolescents and facilitate additional research in the area of self-control.