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A Novel Application of Inhibitory Learning Theory: Pediatric Retentive Encopresis
Nicholas E Hotary1,2, Camilo Ortiz3
1Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, Long Island University - Post Campus, Brookville, NY, USA. nicholas.hotary@my.liu.edu.
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Retentive encopresis, a common childhood disorder, lacks innovative treatments. This paper proposes inhibitory learning theory to enhance behavioral interventions for more effective outcomes in encopresis management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Encopresis affects 25% of pediatric gastroenterology referrals, with retentive encopresis comprising over 80% of cases.
- Current understanding and treatment of retentive encopresis are underdeveloped, with limited innovation in the last 50 years.
- Classical and operant conditioning have been implicated, but a comprehensive, transdiagnostic model is absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing model of retentive encopresis.
- To propose a novel framework for retentive encopresis based on inhibitory learning theory.
- To suggest the application of inhibitory learning theory for optimizing behavioral interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of retentive encopresis.
- Conceptual framework development using inhibitory learning theory.
- Analysis of mechanistic similarities between anxiety disorders and retentive encopresis.
Main Results:
- The predominant model of retentive encopresis is reviewed.
- A novel framework grounded in inhibitory learning theory is proposed.
- Inhibitory learning theory offers potential for innovative behavioral interventions.
Conclusions:
- Retentive encopresis treatment requires innovation beyond current models.
- Inhibitory learning theory provides a promising transdiagnostic framework.
- Applying inhibitory learning principles can lead to more effective encopresis treatments.
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