Maintaining Behavior Change Chapter 10

Reinforcement thinning Relapses in Behavior Why they occur When they occur Reinforcement thinning

Schedules of Reinforcement Continuous reinforcement (CRF) vs. partial (intermittent) reinforcement (PRF) PRF schedules ratio schedules reinforce based on the number of responses that occur fixed-ratio schedules define a constant number of required responses variable-ratio schedules vary the number of responses that must occur

Schedules of Reinforcement (continued) PRF schedules interval schedules reinforce the first response after a period of time has passed fixed-interval schedules reinforce the first response after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last reinforcer was delivered variable-interval schedules reinforce the first response after varying periods of time since the last reinforcer was delivered

Schedules of Reinforcement (continued) Duration schedules require that a behavior occur for a period of time before being reinforced Schedules can be combined to create more complex schedules of reinforcement

Effects of Ratio Schedules Ratio schedules maintain high rates of responding variable-ratio schedules maintain higher rates than fixed-ratio schedules fixed-ratio schedules maintain a post-reinforcement pause Generally, as response requirements increase, so do rates of responding Too high a requirement causes “ratio strain”

Effects of Interval Schedules Interval schedules maintain moderate rates of responding fixed-interval schedules maintain rates that accelerate through each interval fixed-interval schedules maintain a “scalloped” pattern of responding variable interval schedules maintain consistent, moderate rates through each interval

PRF Effect PRF seems to create greater resistance to extinction than CRF Variable schedules are more resistant to extinction than fixed schedules of reinforcement

Delaying Reinforcement Delays in reinforcement interfere with acquisition of behavior After a behavior is established, the introduction of brief delays may serve to strengthen behavior Such delays make behavior more resistant to extinction

Increasing Natural Reinforcement and Enhancing Generalization Available reinforcers Social reinforcers Antecedents Fade prompts Widen stimulus control General case training Self-regulation

Posttreatment Programs Booster programs offer refresher sessions Marlatt's lapse prevention method teaches relapse prevention in three steps: learn to identify high-risk situations acquire coping skills practice coping skills in high-risk settings

Tips on Maintaining Behavior Change Focus interventions on behavior that will be useful in the person's natural environment Associate new behaviors with antecedents common to the natural environment Monitor behavior carefully when introducing new treatments Thin to a variable schedule of reinforcement Assess potential natural reinforcers prior to completion of intervention Target behaviors should be applicable to everyday life