A Componentanalysis of a Parent-conducted Multi-component Treatment Forfood Selectivity

Treatment packages including differential reinforcement of alternative (DRA) behavior and escape prevention in the form of a non-removal of the spoon procedure have been shown to successfully increase food consumption. However, when these treatment components are introduced simultaneously, the treatment component(s) responsible for behavior change cannot be determined. The purpose of this study was to conduct a sequential component analysis of the following treatment components: Bite fading, manipulation of reinforcer magnitude, and escape prevention. For two participants, food consumption did not increase until after escape prevention was introduced. For one participant, increased food consumption was observed after the magnitude of reinforcement was increased; therefore, escape prevention was not necessary. Results were maintained at a 12-week follow-up for all participants. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.