Competition between positive and negative reinforcement in the treatment of escape behavior

We compared the effects of reinforcing compliance with either positive rein forcement (edible items) or negative reinforcement (a break) on 5 participa nts' escape-maintained problem behavior. Both procedures were assessed with or without extinction. Results showed that compliance was higher and probl em behavior was lower for all participants when compliance produced an edib le item rather than a break. Treatment gains were achieved without the use of extinction. Results are discussed regarding the use of positive reinforc ement to treat escape behavior.