Comparison of mixed and multiple schedules for the treatment of PICA

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2018

First Committee Member

Sassi, Jessica

Second Committee Member

Bourret, Jason

Third Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Abstract

"Pica, the ingestion of inedible items, is prevalent among individuals with developmental disabilities and may have serious medical implications. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) program, in which found items are exchanged for edible items, is effective in reducing the pica of a 9-year-old boy diagnosed with autism. In prior studies, this type of DRA was typically used in conjunction with response blocking. Therefore, this study also included a component analysis of the efficacy of the DRA with and without response blocking, as well as an analysis of the effects of therapist proximity. Results showed that keeping the therapist in close proximity helped suppress pica, even when blocking was not in place. Finally, mixed and multiple schedules were evaluated as ways to fade treatment while maintaining low levels of pica. Results showed that both mixed and multiple schedules were effective in thinning the treatment while maintaining low levels of pica."

This document is available upon request to Western New England University faculty, students, and staff. Please contact D'Amour Library at for access.

Share

COinS