Ep. 110- Negative reinforcement to increase self-feeding

Resources mentioned in this episode

1. Free 2 CEU course on Solving Clinical Challenges with Research- www.behavioristbookclub.com/solving

2. Haney et al., 2023- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.1013

   Please contact Matt @ [email protected] if you have any questions or if you need help accessing the full article!

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Dive into Behavioral Feeding: A Review of Negative Reinforcement in Self Feeding Interventions

Welcome to the Behaviorist Book Club, a community dedicated to exploring research articles in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this blog post, we will delve into an intriguing study that evaluates the use of negative reinforcement to increase self-feeding behaviors in children with feeding disorders. Join me, Matt Harrington, as we dissect the key findings and implications of this research.

Understanding Negative Reinforcement:

Before we dive into the study's details, let's refresh our knowledge on negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of a stimulus to increase a desired behavior. In the context of behavioral feeding, negative reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping self-feeding skills by providing motivation through the removal of aversive stimuli.

Research Question and Methodology:

The study sought to answer the question: How does negative reinforcement impact the acquisition of self-feeding behavior in children with feeding disorders? The researchers conducted a controlled consecutive case series at the Kennedy Krieger Institute Behavioral Feeding Program from 2017 to 2019. By examining the effects of different reinforcement conditions, including control, escape reinforcement, and response effort, the study aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of negative reinforcement in promoting self-feeding.

Key Findings and Implications:

The results of the study revealed promising outcomes, indicating that negative reinforcement was effective in increasing self-feeding behaviors in participants. Notably, the use of escape reinforcement maintained as a functional reinforcer even when response effort was escalated, highlighting the robustness of this approach in promoting skill acquisition.

Considerations and Ethical Implications:

While the study showcased the efficacy of negative reinforcement in enhancing self-feeding skills, it also raised important ethical considerations. The authors emphasized the need for careful balance in implementing escape reinforcement, considering the potential impact on nutritional intake and overall well-being of the individuals undergoing behavioral feeding interventions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the application of negative reinforcement in behavioral feeding interventions. By focusing on skill acquisition and leveraging reinforcement strategies effectively, practitioners can support individuals with feeding disorders in developing essential self-feeding abilities. The research underscores the importance of evidence-based practices and thoughtful consideration of ethical implications in behavioral interventions.

Join the Conversation:

If you're passionate about exploring the intersection of behavior analysis and feeding disorders, we invite you to join the Behaviorist Book Club community. Engage with like-minded practitioners in the ABA Cafe Facebook group and deepen your understanding of practitioner-focused research. Your insights and contributions enrich our collective learning journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of negative reinforcement in self-feeding interventions. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and research analysis in the Behaviorist Book Club. Remember to subscribe, share, and leave your feedback to support our ongoing efforts to promote evidence-based practices in behavior analysis.