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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
PubMed

Insights

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.

Keywords:
EncopresisFecal incontinenceInhibitory learningParenting

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