An evaluation of the properties of attention as reinforcement for destructive and appropriate behavior.

Full Abstract

The analogue functional analysis described by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman (1982/1994) identifies broad classes of variables (e.g., positive reinforcement) that maintain destructive behavior (Fisher, Ninness, Piazza, & Owen-DeSchryver, 1996). However, it is likely that some types of stimuli may be more effective reinforcers than others. In the current investigation, we identified 2 participants whose destructive behavior was maintained by attention. We used concurrent schedules of reinforcement to evaluate how different types of attention affected both destructive and appropriate behavior. We showed that for 1 participant praise was not an effective reinforcer when verbal reprimands were available; however, praise was an effective reinforcer when verbal reprimands were unavailable. For the 2nd participant, we identified a type of attention that effectively competed with verbal reprimands as reinforcement. We then used the information obtained from the assessments to develop effective treatments to reduce destructive behavior and increase an alternative communicative response.

Author information

Author/s: Piazza, C C (CC); Bowman, L G (LG); Contrucci, S A (SA); Delia, M D (MD); Adelinis, J D (JD); Goh, H L (HL);

Affiliation: Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.

Grants: MCJ249149-02 (Agency:PHS HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of applied behavior analysis (J Appl Behav Anal), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1999-; vol 32 (issue 4) : pp 437-49

Dates: Created 2000/02/29; Completed 2000/02/29; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 10641299, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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