Teaching self-control to small groups of dually diagnosed adults.

Dixon, M. R., & Holcoumb, S. (2000). Teaching self-control to small groups of dually diagnosed adults. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 611-614.

The present study examined the use of a progressive delay procedure to teach self-control to two groups of dually diagnosed adults. When given a choice between an immediate smaller reinforcer and a larger delayed reinforcer, both groups chose the smaller reinforcer during baseline. During treatment, progressive increases in work requirements for gaining access to a larger reinforcer resulted in both groups selecting larger delayed reinforcers. The results are discussed with respect to increasing cooperative work behavior and self-control.

DESCRIPTORS: _choice, self-control, cooperation, delayed reinforcement, mental retardation, mental illness