Procedures for determining and then modifying the extinction component of multiple schedules for destructive behavior

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Developmental Disabilities Research

Background:

• Functional communication training (FCT) and reinforcement schedule thinning are used to decrease destructive behavior.
• Traditional schedule thinning is a slow process, often requiring many sessions to achieve therapeutic goals.
• The goal is to establish communication (manding) only during reinforcement intervals, minimizing destructive actions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a method for determining the initial extinction duration for alternative communication responses.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of competing stimuli during extinction phases.
• To examine a procedure for gradually fading the availability of these competing stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Implemented an assessment to guide extinction duration for alternative responding.
• Utilized competing stimuli during extinction periods.
• Employed a fading procedure for the competing stimuli.

Main Results:

• All four participants achieved terminal reinforcement schedules rapidly.
• Significant and immediate reductions in destructive behavior were observed post-baseline.
• The implemented procedures proved effective in reducing destructive behavior.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrated a faster approach to reducing destructive behavior using FCT.
• The assessment and fading procedures offer promising clinical applications.
• Further research is warranted to explore implications and refine these methods.