Effect of contextual variables on mealtime problem behavior in the natural environment

A growing body of research suggests that contingency-based interventions are effective for decreasing mealtime problem behavior and increasing the amount and variety of food accepted. To date, two published studies have examined the effects of specific contextual variables (food type and texture or session pre-feeding) on mealtime behavior. Research with problem behavior occurring outside of mealtime suggests that problem behavior may often be under the control of contextual or contextual variables. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the effect of contextual variables on mealtime behavior. Four children and their caregivers served as participants in both Phases 1 and 2. In Phase 1 preference and pre-feeding assessments were conducted. In Phase 2 participants were exposed to 3 or 4 contextual variables (e.g., preferred food present, tangible, idiosyncratic and other family members present) under conditions of food deprivation versus session pre-feeding. Across participants, the occurrence of mealtime problem behavior was found to decrease during the presentation of different contextual variable arrangements.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2004

Author dc:creator

• McCartney, Ellen J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Cynthia M. Anderson.
• Michael Perone
• Lindsey L. Cohen

• Behavioral psychology

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/813

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1816