An analysis of response-blocking parameters in the prevention of pica.

Brandon E. McCord, Jason W. Grosser, Brian A. Iwata, & Lauren A. Powers (2005). An analysis of response-blocking parameters in the prevention of pica. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 38, 391-394.

We manipulated two parameters of response blocking to reduce pica: (a) the criteria for initiating the procedure (either earlier or later in the response chain) and (b) the distance from which the procedure was initiated. Results suggested that response blocking may be effective only when implemented early in the chain and with near-perfect consistency. Further, additional treatment components may be required to eliminate all pica attempts.

DESCRIPTORS: pica, blocking, automatic reinforcement