|
| Behavior Analytic Research on Tics, Trichotillomania, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 1:00 PM–2:20 PM |
| Conference Room 2 |
| Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Douglas W. Woods (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) |
| Abstract: Behavior Analytic Research on Tics, Trichotillomania, and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors |
| |
| An Evaluation of the Social Support Component of Simplified Habit Reversal |
| CHRIS A. FLESSNER (North Dakota State University), Raymond G. Miltenberger (North Dakota State University), Kristin R. Egemo (North Dakota State University), Pamela D. Kelso (North Dakota State University), Candice Jostad (North Dakota State University), Brigitte M. Johnson (North Dakota State University), Brian J. Gatheridge (North Dakota State University), Clayton Neighbors (North Dakota State University) |
| Abstract: This study examined the role that the social support component of simplified habit reversal (SHR) plays in the treatment of body-focused repetitive behavior disorders (nail biting) in college-aged individuals. This study compared two versions of the SHR procedure, one consisting of awareness training, completing response training, and social support, and the second consisting only of awareness and competing response training. Forty participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. Participants were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and at one-month follow-up. Results indicated that both conditions produced significant decreases in nail biting and increases in nail length from baseline to posttreatment and from posttreatment to follow-up, but no significant differences were found between the conditions. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed. |
| |
| Delay Discounting in Trichotillomania |
| MICHAEL B. HIMLE (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Chris A. Flessner (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Douglas W. Woods (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) |
| Abstract: The delay-discounting model of impulsivity provides a theoretical account of trichotillomania (TTM), but has yet to be tested. According to the delay-discounting model, persons with TTM should exhibit significantly higher delay discounting rates than normal controls, indicating greater impulsivity. In the current study, 20 individuals with TTM and 20 normal controls were given the Monetary Choice Questionnaire, which asked participants to choose between two monetary alternatives presented in dyads (e.g., $43 immediately or $58 in 20 days). Each item in each dyad differed in reward magnitude and delay to reward acquisition. Levels of impulsivity were calculated by determining the reward magnitude and delay at which he/she chooses the smaller, more immediate reward over the larger, delayed reward. Data are still being collected, but preliminary data on 11 persons with TTM suggest that impulsivity rates are higher than controls, thus providing preliminary support for the delay discounting model. |
| |
| An Experimental Analysis of Antecedents to Habit Behaviors |
| SHAI M. BROSH (Western Michigan University), R. Wayne Fuqua (Western Michigan University) |
| Abstract: In this study, 10 participants were exposed to a sequence of repeated challenge conditions (passive viewing, low stimulation, and anxiety) while their heart rate was monitored and while being covertly videotaped. The investigator scored each tape for the occurrence of habit behaviors in each of the experimental condition. Results showed that the level of habit behaviors was the highest during the low stimulation condition, and the lowest during the passive viewing condition. The implications of this research are discussed. |
| |
| Creating Tic "Suppression": Comparing the Effects of Verbal Instructions to Differential Reinforcement |
| DOUGLAS W. WOODS (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Michael B. Himle (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) |
| Abstract: Although Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is considered to be a neurobiological disorder consisting of involuntary motor and vocal tics, there remains a commonly held belief that individuals with TS are able to temporarily suppress their tics. Despite this belief, only one study has attempted to study tic suppression in the laboratory and this study had mixed results. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate two experimental preparations for establishing tic suppression. Four participants with TS from an outpatient clinic were evaluated using an ABAB design comparing voluntary tic suppression to voluntary tic suppression enhanced with differential reinforcement of zero-rate behavior (DRO). Results showed that DRO-enhanced suppression was superior to voluntary suppression alone. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. |
|
| |