Goh, H., Iwata, B. A., & Kahng, S. (1999).
Multicomponent assessment and treatment of cigarette pica.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
32, 297-316.
We conducted a multicomponent assessment and treatment for 4
individuals who engaged in cigarette pica. During Phase 1, three
stimulus preference assessments were conducted to identify (a)
the reinforcing component of the cigarette, (b) potential
alternative reinforcers that may be used during treatment, and
(c) whether the alternative reinforcer would compete effectively
with cigarettes. Results were successful in identifying the
reinforcing component of the cigarette and suggested the
feasibility of using alternative reinforcers during treatment to
eliminate cigarette pica. During Phase 2, the effects of two
treatment procedures were evaluated. Noncontingent reinforcement
(NCR) with the alternative edible reinforcer reduced the pica of
2 of the participants, but effects were not maintained when the
initial dense schedule of NCR was thinned. Subsequently,
differential reinforcement of alternative behavior with the
alternative edible reinforcer was effective in reducing pica for
3 participants. An evaluation of nine treatment procedures failed
to identify an effective intervention for the remaining
participant; consequently, preventive measures were designed to
minimize occurrences of cigarette pica.
DESCRIPTORS: _functional analysis, pica, differential
reinforcement, noncontingent reinforcement, reinforcer
assessment, punishment, tobacco ingestion