Woods, D. W., Miltenberger, R. G., & Lumley, V. A. (1996).
Sequential application of major habit-reversal components to treat motor tics in children.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
29, 483-493.
In this study, we sequentially administered up to four components
of the habit-reversal treatment to 4 children with motor tics
within a multiple baseline design. The habit-reversal components
included (a) awareness training; (b) awareness training and
self-monitoring; (c) awareness training, self-monitoring, and
social support; and (d) awareness training, social support, and
the use of a competing response. Results demonstrated that the
combined use of awareness training, social support, and competing
response training was effective in eliminating motor tics in 2 of
4 children, that awareness training alone was effective for 1
child, and that a combination of awareness training and
self-monitoring was effective for the 4th child. The treatment
and ensuing improvement were found to be socially valid. We
discuss possible explanations for these results and recommend
directions for future research.
DESCRIPTORS: habit reversal, tics, Tourette's disorder, treatment,
awareness training, competing response training