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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
Successful operant conditioning procedures with an institutionalized aggressive geriatric patient
1Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550.
Abstract:
The present investigation utilized a modified differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) schedule with an exclusionary time-out procedure to treat a sixty-nine year-old aggressive male. Dependent measures included confirmed incidents of physical and verbal aggressive behavior monitored across an ABAB design with a four month follow-up. During the experimental conditions, contingent tangible reinforcers were provided for non-aggressive behavior. Such rewards were progressively diminished over the course of treatment utilizing a systematic fading scheme. Results indicated a clear demonstration of behavioral control and clinically significant treatment effects during both experimental periods. Implications for future research are discussed.
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