The premack principle, response deprivation, and establishing operations.

Hastings et al. (2001) wrote a theory paper. They asked, "What makes an activity work as a reinforcer?"

They said, "Stop calling it a reinforcer. Call it an establishing operation."

When you block a child from a favorite toy, that toy becomes more powerful. The block is the EO.

The authors found that response deprivation is the EO.

Limiting access to a high-probability activity makes it a reinforcer. It also makes the child try harder to get it.

Allison (1993) said the same thing first. He used the words "response-deprivation schedule." Hastings et al. (2001) just swapped in the newer EO label.

Nevin et al. (2005) tested the idea with kids with autism. They withheld snacks. The kids then asked peers for snacks. This shows the EO works in real therapy rooms.

Jones et al. (2010) did the same with attention. They gave lots of attention before a session. Problem behavior rose. Withholding attention worked like an EO. The lab and the clinic now match.

You already control reinforcers. Now you can control their power. Before a session, withhold the item for a short time. That brief hold turns the item into a stronger reinforcer. Use this trick to boost mand training, peer initiations, or any program that needs quick motivation.