Using the mystery motivator to improve child bedtime compliance

Child bedtime problems are commonly reported by parents. A number of behavi oral techniques, including extinction of tantrum behaviors, reinforcement o f compliant bedtime, and implementation of consistent bedtime routines have been successful in improving bedtime compliance. The present study examine d the effects of the "Mystery Motivator" (MM), a behavioral contract design ed to remediate bedtime problems by delivering random reinforcement. Emphas is was placed on the optimal use of clinical intervention by enlisting pare nts as primary change agents in the home setting. Three adults and their fo ur children, aged 3-5 years, participated. Three of the four children showe d substantial changes in both time out of bed and bedtime noncompliance bet ween baseline and treatment phases. A fourth child showed less improvement. Parent participants demonstrated understanding of the materials and succes sfully implemented the home program. Both parent and child participants rat ed the Mystery Motivator reinforcement system as an acceptable intervention .