Report of the ABAI Task Force on Contingent Electric Skin Shock

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Contingent electric skin shock (CESS) is a controversial intervention for severe problem behavior.
• Ethical and professional guidelines for applied behavior analysts regarding CESS are evolving.
• Reinforcement-based alternatives to CESS exist but their efficacy in extreme cases is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the contemporary clinical use of CESS in behavior analytic treatments.
• To examine reinforcement-based alternatives to CESS.
• To review current ethical and professional guidelines for applied behavior analysts concerning CESS.

Main Methods:

• A task force appointed by the Executive Council of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conducted the investigation.
• The study involved reviewing the application of CESS, alternative treatments, and existing guidelines.
• Recommendations were formulated and presented to the full ABAI membership for a vote.

Main Results:

• The task force initially recommended upholding the right to use CESS in extreme cases under strict oversight.
• This recommendation was rejected by a majority vote of the ABAI full members.
• An alternative recommendation opposing the use of CESS under any condition was endorsed.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant division within the behavior analysis community regarding the use of CESS.
• The ABAI membership ultimately voted against the use of CESS, regardless of the circumstances.
• This outcome highlights the need for continued discussion on severe behavior interventions and ethical standards.