Control of hyperactivity by social reinforcement of attending behavior.

Abstract

A 41/2-YR-OLD BOY WITH EXCESSIVELY SHORT SPAN OF ATTENTION WAS HELPED TO ACQUIRE MORE EXTENDED ATTENDING BEHAVIOR THROUGH THE SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMING OF CONTINGENCIES OF ADULT SOCIAL REINFORCEMENT. WHEN THE CHILD REMAINED WITH A SINGLE ACTIVITY FOR 1 CONTINUOUS MIN., TEACHERS IMMEDIATELY GAVE ATTENTION AND APPROVAL FOR AS LONG AS HE REMAINED WITH THAT ACTIVITY. TEACHERS WITHHELD THEIR ATTENTION CONSEQUENT UPON ALL OTHER BEHAVIOR. WITHIN 7 DAYS THE NUMBER OF ACTIVITY CHANGES DECREASED MARKEDLY. REVERSAL OF THESE PROCEDURES REINSTATED THE HYPERACTIVE BEHAVIOR. WHEN ORIGINAL REINFORCEMENT CONTINGENCIES WERE REINTRODUCED, THERE WAS AGAIN A MARKED DECREASE IN NUMBER OF ACTIVITY CHANGES. THE STUDY GIVES EVIDENCE THAT ADULTS CAN HELP A CHILD INCREASE HIS ATTENDING BEHAVIOR. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)