Treatment of multiply controlled problem behavior

J Appl Behav Anal. 1996 Fall;29(3):391-5. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1996.29-391.

Abstract

The aggressive behavior of a young boy with developmental delays occurred most frequently following a request to pick up his toys. The request ended a period of play and social interaction. This suggested the presence of multiple establishing operations. The initial treatment consisted of praise, a break, and access to the toys contingent on compliance. Results showed that aggression decreased only when we added social interaction to the break. Findings are discussed regarding treating multiply controlled problem behavior without extinction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / psychology
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Reinforcement, Social