Multicomponent assessment and treatment of cigarette pica

We conducted a multicomponent assessment and treatment for 4 individuals wh o engaged in cigarette pica. During Phase 1, three stimulus preference asse ssments were conducted to identify (a) the reinforcing component of the cig arette, (b) potential alternative reinforcers that may be used during treat ment, and (c) whether the alternative reinforcer would compete effectively with cigarettes. Results were successful in identifying the reinforcing com ponent of the cigarette and suggested the feasibility of using alternative reinforcers during treatment to eliminate cigarette pica. During Phase 2, t he effects of two treatment procedures were evaluated. Noncontingent reinfo rcement (NCR) with the alternative edible reinforcer reduced the pica of 2 of the participants, but effects were not maintained when the initial dense schedule of NCR was thinned, Subsequently, differential reinforcement: of alternative behavior with the alternative edible reinforcer was effective i n reducing pica for 3 participants. An evaluation of nine treatment procedu res failed to identify an effective intervention for the remaining particip ant; consequently, preventive measures were designed to minimize occurrence s of cigarette pica.