Rachel S. F. Tarbox, W. Larry
Williams, & Patrick C. Friman (2004).
Extended diaper wearing: Effects
on continence in and out of the diaper.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
37, 97-100.
Diaper
use is widespread and possibly even increasing across diverse populations in the United States,
ranging from infants to very old adults. We found no reports of an experimental analysis of the effect
of wearing diapers on the frequency of urinary accidents and the attainment of continence skills (e.g.,
urinating in the toilet). In this study, we used a withdrawal design to evaluate the effect of wearing
diapers on daily urinary accidents and successful voids for an adult who had been diagnosed with
mental retardation. Results indicated that wearing diapers increased the rate of accidents and
decreased the rate of successful voids. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.
DESCRIPTORS: caregiver training, incontinence, toilet training