An evaluation of the properties of attention as reinforcement for destructive and appropriate behavior

The analogue functional analysis described by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman , and Richman (1982/1994) identifies broad classes of variables (e.g., posi tive reinforcement) that maintain destructive behavior (Fisher, Ninness, Pi azza, & Owen-DeSchryver, 1996). However, it is likely that some types of st imuli may be more effective reinforcers than others. In the current investi gation, we identified 2 participants whose destructive behavior was maintai ned by attention. We used concurrent schedules of reinforcement to evaluate how different types of attention affected both destructive and appropriate behavior. We showed that for 1 participant praise was not an effective rei nforcer when verbal reprimands were available; however, praise was an effec tive reinforcer when verbal reprimands were unavailable. For the 2nd partic ipant, we identified a type of attention that effectively competed with ver bal reprimands as reinforcement. We then used the information obtained from the assessments to develop effective treatments to reduce destructive beha vior and increase an alternative communicative response.