An effective and acceptable treatment alternative for chronic thumb- and finger-sucking.
Evaluated treatment for thumb-sucking in a randomized trial. Study included 22 children, ages 4-11, who displayed chronic thumb-sucking. Treatment included aversive taste and a reward system. Significant results were obtained at posttest, with 12 cessations at 3-month follow-up and 20 at 1 year. Participating parents, pediatricians, and pediatric psychologists validated treatment acceptability. Results support the treatment as an alternative to common medical and dental advice about thumb-sucking. Directions for future research are discussed.
Friman
P C
PC
University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Leibowitz
J M
JM
D001348:Aversive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013649:Taste