The use of contingent reinforcement in the treatment of a conversion disorder: a multiple baseline study

Behavioral conceptualizations of conversion disorders emphasize the role of operant conditioning. However, this literature is methodologically weak, with few controlled studies. Thus, this study, by using multiple baseline and changing criterion designs, investigated the utility of operant procedures. It involves the treatment by contingent social reinforcement of a conversion disorder in a teenage girl. Treatment outcome and suggestions for future research are discussed.