Does functional communication training compete with ongoing contingencies of reinforcement? An analysis during response acquisition and maintenance.

Full Abstract

We examined the effectiveness of functional communication training (FCT) in reducing self-injurious behavior (SIB) and in shaping an alternative (communicative) response while SIB continued to be reinforced. Following a functional analysis of 3 individuals' SIB, we attempted to teach an alternative response consisting of a manual sign to each individual, using the reinforcer that maintained SIB. When FCT was implemented without extinction. SIB remained at baseline rates for all participants, and none of the participants acquired the alternative response. When extinction was added to the training procedure, SIB decreased and manual signing increased for all participants. To determine if signing, when established, would compete with SIB when both were reinforced, extinction was then withdrawn. Signing was maintained and SIB occurred at low rates for 2 individuals, but SIB returned to baseline rates for the 3rd individual, necessitating the reimplementation of extinction. These results suggest that it may be difficult to establish alternative behaviors if inappropriate behavior continues to be reinforced, but that, when established, alternative behavior might compete successfully with ongoing contingencies of reinforcement for inappropriate behavior.

Author information

Author/s: Shirley, M J (MJ); Iwata, B A (BA); Kahng, S W (SW); Mazaleski, J L (JL); Lerman, D C (DC);

Affiliation: Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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

Reference: 1997-; vol 30 (issue 1) : pp 93-104

Dates: Created 1997/05/22; Completed 1997/05/22; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 9157100, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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