A maintenance strategy for discontinuing aversive procedures: A 52-month follow-up of the treatment of aggression

R. M. Foxx, R. G. Bittle, G. D. Faw

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28 Scopus citations

Abstract

A strategy for systematically discontinuing aversive treatment components is illustrated with a 52-month follow-up of the treatment of severe aggression by an institutionalized, dually diagnosed deaf male. Phase 1 lasted 28 months and included: (a) contingent electric shock, (b) a high density positive reinforcement, (c) compliance training, (d) transfer of programmatic responsibility to others, and (e) a relaxation procedure. Phase 2 has lasted for 24 months and features (a) replacing shock with decreasing durations of nonexclusionary timeout and (b) naturally occurring reinforcers. Aggression has remained very low for over 4 years. The client is in an all day workshop, visits home frequently, and accompanies his parents on vacation. A social validity questionnaire revealed that he has become more sociable and less dangerous.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)27-36
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal on Mental Retardation
Volume94
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 1 1989

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Education
  • Rehabilitation
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • General Health Professions

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