title: On the relative contributions of noncontingent reinforcement and escape extinction in the treatment of food refusal.
abstract: In the current investigation, we evaluated the relative effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), escape extinction, and a combination of NCR and escape extinction as treatment for the feeding problems exhibited by 4 children. For each participant, consumption increased only when escape extinction was implemented, independent of whether NCR was present or absent. These results were consistent with prior research suggesting that positive reinforcement alone is insufficient for increasing consumption, and that escape extinction often is necessary to increase and maintain food acceptance. However, NCR appeared to decrease inappropriate behavior for some participants.
authors.affiliation: Marcus Institute, 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA.
authors.forename: Gregory K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.forename: Cathleen C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Piazza
authors.forename: Meeta R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Stacy A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Layer
authors.forename: Melanie H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Bachmeyer
authors.forename: Stephanie D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bethke
authors.forename: Katharine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gutshall
mesh_terms: D004924:Escape Reaction; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology