Basing assessment and treatment of problem behavior on behavioral momentum theory: Analyses of behavioral persistence

Abstract

The connection, or bridge, between applied and basic behavior analysis has been long-established (Hake, 1982; Mace & Critchfield, 2010). In this article, we describe how clinical decisions can be based more directly on behavioral processes and how basing clinical procedures on behavioral processes can lead to improved clinical outcomes. As a case in point, we describe how applied behavior analyses of maintenance, and specifically the long-term maintenance of treatment effects related to problem behavior, can be adjusted and potentially enhanced by basing treatment on Behavioral Momentum Theory. We provide a brief review of the literature including descriptions of two translational studies that proposed changes in how differential reinforcement of alternative behavior treatments are conducted based on Behavioral Momentum Theory. We then describe current clinical examples of how these translations are continuing to impact the definitions, designs, analyses, and treatment procedures used in our clinical practice.

Keywords: Behavioral momentum theory; Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior; Long-term maintenance.

Figure 1

Responses per minute of problem behavior for Lawrence. BL = baseline; FCT = functional communication training; EXT = extinction.

Figure 2

Percentage of tasks attempted (top panel) and percentage of intervals of problem behavior (bottom panel) for Sam. BL = baseline; Sr+ = positive reinforcement; Cont. Sr+ = contingent positive reinforcement; Dashed lines = mean percentage of tasks attempted

Figure 3

Number of sessions to reach a stable 90% reduction during FCT and EXT for 5 participants in the Wacker et al. (2011) study. FCT = functional communication training; EXT = extinction