OluwdamilolaAdekunle_Psy7710

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Dec 6, 2023

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Controversial Behavior Analytic Procedures Oluwadamilola Adekunle Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella University PSY 7710: Ethics for Behavior Analysts Aug 13. 2023.
2 Controversial Treatment Escape Extinction. Escape extinction is a behavior modification technique used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address challenging behaviors, particularly those that are maintained by escape or avoidance of undesirable situations (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2020). The treatment involves preventing the individual from escaping or avoiding the situation they find aversive, with the aim of teaching them more appropriate ways to cope. Escape extinction is a behavior modification technique often used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address challenging behaviors that are maintained by escape or avoidance of aversive situations. It involves systematically preventing an individual from escaping or avoiding the situations they find undesirable. The goal is to decrease the frequency of the problematic behavior by removing the reinforcement that is maintaining it (Cooper et al., 2020). Scenario: A child with autism, named Alex, engages in aggressive behaviors (such as hitting and biting) during his therapy sessions in an attempt to escape from tasks he finds challenging. Implementation procedure: Functional Assessment: Before implementing escape extinction, a functional assessment is conducted to determine the underlying reason for Alex's aggressive behaviors. It's crucial to understand whether these behaviors are indeed driven by a desire to escape or avoid certain tasks (Friman, Smith, & Zarcone, 2010). Identifying Replacement Behaviors: In collaboration with therapists, caregivers, and other relevant stakeholders, replacement behaviors are identified. These are alternative ways for Alex to communicate his discomfort or request a break from tasks without resorting to aggression (Friman et al., 2010). Preventing Escape: During therapy sessions, when Alex engages in aggressive behavior as an attempt to escape tasks, the escape extinction procedure would be initiated. In practical terms, this might involve: A therapist gently but firmly guiding Alex back to the task each time he tries to escape.
3 Providing minimal attention to aggressive behavior while maintaining focus on the task. Ignoring or not immediately responding to the aggression. Reinforcing Replacement Behaviors: Simultaneously, Alex is taught and encouraged to use the replacement behaviors that were identified earlier. For instance, he might be taught to use a communication device or a specific gesture to indicate that he needs a break from the task (Friman et al., 2010). Consistency and Data Collection: The implementation of escape extinction requires consistency across all relevant individuals and settings. Detailed data are collected on Alex's behavior, the frequency of his aggression, and his use of replacement behaviors. Fading/Shaping: As Alex learns to use the replacement behaviors more effectively, the escape extinction procedure can gradually faded out. This involves allowing more flexibility in responding to his requests for breaks while still ensuring the maintenance of appropriate communication (Cooper et al., 2020). Pros to Controversial Treatment Efficiency: Escape extinction can lead to quicker behavior change, as it directly addresses the reinforcement maintaining the problem behavior. By preventing the individual from escaping the aversive situation, the behavior loses its effectiveness and reduces over time. Learning New Skills: By employing escape extinction, individuals are encouraged to learn alternative, more appropriate ways to cope with aversive situations. This promotes the development of adaptive behaviors and communication skills. Generalization: Escape extinction often involves teaching the individual to communicate their needs or distress using more acceptable methods, which can generalize to a variety of contexts and settings. Decreased Aversive Stimulation: Over time, as the individual's problematic behaviors decrease, they may experience fewer aversive situations, leading to a better quality of life for both the individual and those around them. Cons to Controversial Treatment
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