Basic and Applied Research on Extinction Bursts in Children with Problem Behavior

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the occurrence of extinction bursts, which are sudden increases in destructive behavior at the start of treatment, in children with problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury maintained by social positive reinforcement. The study aims to understand how changes in reinforcement parameters like rate, magnitude, and quality influence these bursts and to improve treatment approaches. The study includes children aged 3 to 17 years who have frequent problem behaviors despite prior treatments. The study involves several experiments comparing different behavioral interventions during Functional Communication Training (FCT). These include conditions where reinforcement for destructive behavior is stopped (extinction-only), reinforcement rate or magnitude is reduced (rate-drop, magnitude-drop), and reinforcement quality is altered (quality-drop). Another experiment tests whether increasing reinforcement quality can counteract the effects of a drop in reinforcement rate. Treatments consist of teaching participants to use alternative communication responses, with reinforcement schedules carefully controlled and randomized across distinct contexts. Participants will undergo initial assessments including preference tests and functional analyses to identify what maintains their destructive behaviors. Sessions take place in clinical and home settings, with caregivers trained to implement procedures safely. Researchers collect data on the frequency of destructive behavior and treatment adherence, continuing treatment until significant behavior reduction is observed. Follow-up involves generalization sessions in the home to assess treatment effects in natural environments, with ongoing caregiver support and training to maintain safety and effectiveness.

Basic and Applied Research on Extinction Bursts