Gregory K. Reed, Cathleen C. Piazza, Meeta R. Patel, Stacy A. Layer, Melanie H. Bachmeyer, Stephanie D. Bethke, & Katharine A. Gutshall (2004).
On the relative contributions of noncontingent reinforcement and escape extinction in the treatment of food refusal.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
37, 27-41.
In the current investigation, we evaluated the relative effects of noncontingent
reinforcement (NCR), escape extinction, and a combination of NCR and escape extinction as
treatment for the feeding problems exhibited by 4 children. For each participant, consumption
increased only when escape extinction was implemented, independent of whether NCR was present
or absent. These results were consistent with prior research suggesting that positive reinforcement
alone is insufficient for increasing consumption, and that escape extinction often is necessary to
increase and maintain food acceptance. However, NCR appeared to decrease inappropriate behavior
for some participants.
DESCRIPTORS: escape extinction, food refusal, negative reinforcement, noncontingent reinforcement, pediatric feeding disorders, positive reinforcement