The use of peer monitors to reduce negative interaction during recess

The negative interactions of a midly retarded child, Dennis, were reduced in three daily recess periods, with the use of a point system. Adult monitors initiated the intervention in the morning recess; reductions achieved during adult monitoring were maintained in that recess during two subsequent conditions: peer monitoring and self-monitoring. Dennis' negative interactions were reduced next in the afternoon recess by peer monitors. Again, reductions were maintained during a subsequent self-monitoring condition. Finally, during the noon recess, Dennis was trained to serve as a peer monitor for Ed, a moderately retarded classmate. Dennis' rate of negative interactions quickly decreased following his appointment as a peer monitor. The results show that a point system, originally designed for adult monitoring, can be adapted without loss of program effectiveness for peer monitoring or self-monitoring. The results also suggest that classmates who serve as peer monitors may benefit significantly from their role. The conditions under which these therapeutic effects occur and the role that treatment order effects may play in this process require further investigation.