Patel, M. R., Piazza, C. C., Martinez, C. J., Volkert, V. M., & Santana, C. M. (2002).
An evaluation of two differential reinforcement procedures with escape extinction to treat food refusal.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
35, 363-374.
Consumption of solids and liquids occurs as a chain of behaviors
that may include accepting, swallowing, and retaining the food or
drink. In the current investigation, we evaluated the relative
effectiveness of differential reinforcement of the first behavior
in the chain (acceptance) versus differential reinforcement for
the terminal behavior in the chain (mouth clean). Three children
who had been diagnosed with a feeding disorder participated.
Acceptance remained at zero when differential reinforcement
contingencies were implemented for acceptance or mouth clean.
Acceptance and mouth clean increased for all 3 participants once
escape extinction was added to the differential reinforcement
procedures, independent of whether reinforcement was provided for
acceptance or for mouth clean. Maintenance was observed in 2
children when escape extinction was removed from the treatment
package. The mechanism by which consumption increased is
discussed in relation to positive and negative reinforcement
contingencies.
DESCRIPTORS: _differential reinforcement of alternative behavior,
escape extinction, food refusal, negative reinforcement,
pediatric feeding disorder