Paradoxical instruction in the treatment of encopresis and chronic constipation: an experimental analysis.
The purpose of the present single-case experimental investigation was to examine the efficacy of paradoxical instruction in the treatment of exacerbation-based discontinuous encopresis and chronic constipation. The subject, a 9-yr old male, complained of infrequent bowel movements and daily soiling. In addition, toileting and related activities appeared to cause considerable anxiety. An ABAB reversal design with 1-yr follow-up was used as a means of evaluating treatment effectiveness. Dependent measures included weekly parental records of soiling and appropriate bowel movements. Results indicated a clear demonstration of functional control and consistent improvement in the encopretic disturbance. These findings were maintained at 1-yr follow-up.
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004688:Encopresis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male