USE OF NONCONTINGENT REINFORCEMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR - A REVIEW AND CLINICAL GUIDE

Recently, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) has been used to reduce ch allenging behavior in persons with developmental disabilities. In this context, NCR involves reinforcement on a fixed-time schedule irrespec tive of behavior. The present article reviews studies involving NCR fo r the treatment of challenging behavior. Based on this review, a clini cal guide for the implementation of NCR is delineated. NCR appears to depend on ensuring that reinforcement matches the function of the chal lenging behavior. Initially, noncontingent reinforcement should be pro vided on a continuous basis. The schedule can then be faded from conti nuous reinforcement to a more appropriate level in a number of ways. N CR can also be combined with additional educationally oriented interve ntions to promote skill development. Given its ease of implementation and other potential advantages, NCR would appear particularly relevant for applied settings. The clinical guide may offer some assistance to practitioners.