Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

Search

43rd Annual Convention; Denver, CO; 2017

Event Details


Previous Page

 

Poster Session #251
CBM
Sunday, May 28, 2017
12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
Chair: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
90. Valued Living Among Hispanic College Students: An Initial Validation of the Valued Living Questionnaire
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
KARLEY KAMILLE JAMES (Metropolitan State University of Denver), Mitchell K Kusick (Metropolitan State University of Denver), Maureen Flynn (Metropolitan State University of Denver)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: The Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) was developed to assess behaviors related to valued living, a core process of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts, 2015). Initial development of the VLQ demonstrated adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity (Wilson et al., 2010; VanBuskirk et al., 2012). The VLQ was developed using a college sample that was predominately female and Caucasian. A follow-up study found that the VLQ also demonstrated good psychometric properties in a Black American sample (VanBuskirk et al., 2012). The psychometrics of the VLQ have yet to be examined in Hispanic populations. The purpose of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the VLQ among Hispanic college students. Participants (n = 334) completed a battery of surveys online. Regarding concurrent validity, results showed that the VLQ importance subscale, consistency subscale, and composite scores were weakly to moderately correlated with satisfaction with life, acceptance, depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, and general psychological flexibility. The VLQ significantly added to the prediction of psychological distress over and above general psychological flexibility. The VLQ did not add to the prediction of life satisfaction. Implications of these findings will be discussed.
 
91. Cognitive Fusion Among Hispanic College Students: An Initial Examination of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
MITCHELL K KUSICK (Metropolitan State University of Denver), Karley Kamille James (Metropolitan State University of Denver), Maureen Flynn (Metropolitan State University of Denver)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Cognitive fusion refers to a tendency to be overly influenced by thoughts. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses interventions that target cognitive fusion so individuals have greater choice in their behavior. Psychometrically sounds measures of cognitive fusion are needed for treatment outcome studies. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) has been shown to be reliable and valid in predominately Caucasian samples from the United Kingdom. The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the CFQ among Hispanic college students. Participants (n = 335) completed a battery of questionnaires online. Regarding concurrent validity, results showed that cognitive fusion was associated with higher levels of psychological inflexibility, frequency and believability of negative automatic thoughts, and psychological distress. Cognitive fusion was also correlated with lower life satisfaction, acceptance, and awareness. The CFQ significantly added to the prediction of psychological distress over and above general psychological inflexibility and thought suppression. The CFQ did not add to the prediction of life satisfaction. Implications of these findings will be discussed.
 
92. Outcomes Evaluation of an Applied Behavior Analysis Eight-Week Parent Training Course
Area: CBM; Domain: Theory
JOHNNA SCHOOLEY (University of Central Oklahoma), Alexis Briana Pendarvis (University of Central Oklahoma), Mary Ann Hubbard (University of Central Oklahoma), Alexandrea Logan (University of Central Oklahoma), Lauren White (University of Central Oklahoma), Kayla Herrin (University of Central Oklahoma), Samantha Williams (University of Central Oklahoma), Betsy Chen (University of Central Oklahoma)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Research suggests that parenting a child with chronic disabilities can lead to elevated stress levels (Dardas & Ahmad, 2014). Utilizing a Multiple Baseline across parent cohorts, the current study evaluates the reduction in parent stress as the result of participation in an ABA Parent Training and Therapy Course. During the first phase of training parents attend 2 weeks of group instruction followed by the second phase of individualized behavior intervention support and development. During Phase Three parents attend two follow up sessions to monitor maintenance of behavior change at two weeks and five weeks. In order to measure outcomes, the participants are administered the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) at baseline and at the end of each phase and the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI) at the conclusion of treatment. Data from Cohort 1 indicates parents experience a slight decrease in parenting stress following group training in ABA principles and a continued decrease in stress following individualized behavior intervention support. Additionally, the intensity and overall problem behavior ratings on the ECBI decreased following group training and maintained a decreasing trend during intervention support. Data collection for all cohorts will be complete by May 2017.
 
93. Caregivers of Older Adults: Level of Interest and Mode of Delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis Services
Area: CBM; Domain: Service Delivery
CODY CHARLES MEEHAN (University of Central MIssouri), Taylor Rodieck (University of Central Missouri), Duane A. Lundervold ( University of Central Missouri)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: A random sample of 750 caregivers, drawn form a local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), was selected to take part in a telephone interview determining the needs and interest in applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Approximately 20% of phone contacts resulted in a response to the survey. Caregivers providing care to older adults with neurocognitive disorders, e.g., Alzheimer's disease, reported mild to moderate interest in ABA services. Caregivers reported a similar level in interest in mode of delivery (in-home versus classroom-based). Implications for collaborating with stake holders and expanding the impact of ABA services to older adults residing out side of nursing homes is discussed.
 
94. A Group Consultation to the Parent of the Children With Selective Mutism
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
YUMIKO SASADA (Hamamatsu-city Welfare and Medical Center for Development), Kenji Okuda (Academy of Behavioral Coaching)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the group consultation, based the program which has been shown to be the effective approach (McHolm,et.al, 2005). Three parents of the boys (A,B,C), diagnosed selective mutism. A and B were a middle class in kindergarten, and C was a third-grade. They had several signs of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The group consultation carried out 1hour, once a month during 6 months managed the first author. During this program they did not have individual session. Measurement: (1)Rating of tension in the specific situation by their parent,(2) Selective Mutism Questionnaire; SMQ-R(Bergman et al,2008)(3)the frequency of records by parent. The parents selected the situations for recording the responses their child, which were specified the persons, places and the activities. Parents recorded their facial expression, avoidance, speaking, tension of the body of their child during a month, in the specific situation. After a month, the parents reported the results each other, and discussed the new situations for practice with their child. ?Results? The attendance rate of the group consultation was 100%. After this program, the result of the SMQ-R score shown A and B increased speaking in the situation of kindergarten and social out of home. Every boys had some responses shown decrease the behavior of the excessive tension, with the frequency of the experience the situations and another one, had shown the needs individual practice or intervention. In addition, there were the benefits that parents shared the effectiveness the intervention and notices about selective mutism and keeping their motivation of the intervention.
 
95. Evaluation of the Relationship of Caregiver Discounting of Delayed Treatment Effects and Child Problem Behavior Severity
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
BRENNA CAVANAUGH (University of Rochester Medical Center), Kenneth Shamlian (University of Rochester School of Medicine), Shawn Patrick Gilroy (National University of Ireland)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Many effective behavioral interventions exist for decreasing child disruptive behavior. However, intervention implementation typically requires time and effort from caregivers, and behavioral improvement is seldom immediate. Pilot research has demonstrated that caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and challenging behavior often experience greater stress and, therefore, may be more likely to discount the delayed benefits of treatment. This pattern of decision-making negatively impacts treatment adherence. The current study explored the decision-making of caregivers of children receiving behavioral intervention at an outpatient behavioral health clinic (n=18; projected n=50). Caregivers completed a computer-based temporal discounting assessment, to quantify preference for smaller-sooner vs. larger-later treatment outcomes, and rated child problem behavior on the Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ-ASD). Preliminary results indicate a small correlation between overall problem behavior severity and the discounting of delayed treatment outcomes (r=-0.17, n=18, p = 0.48), with a small-to-moderate correlation observed with the Social Inflexibility subscale (r= -0.28, n=18, p=0.21). Interpretation of these results may suggest that caregivers of children with problem behavior that interferes with family socialization are more likely to prefer treatments that provide small, but immediate problem behavior alleviation. More research is needed to better understand factors that influence caregiver choice-making in treatment.
 
96. Behavioral Activation for Mood and Diabetes Management in Women With Severe Mental Illness
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
LAUREN SCHNEIDER (University of Colorado at Colorado Springs), Leilani Feliciano (University of Colorado Colorado Springs), Sarah Anderson (Pacific University)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in mid to late life. T2DM is 2-3 times more prevalent in individuals experiencing severe mental illnesses (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) compared to the general population. Poor management of diabetes can lead to physical disorders such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and have detrimental effects on psychological symptoms such as depression and daily functioning. The presence of depressive episodes and psychosis are each generally associated with poorer outcomes in terms of diabetes-related complications. Behavioral activation (BA) is an effective intervention for depression. This study investigated whether BA for depression could be successfully applied to adults with severe mental illness and diabetes. Two community-dwelling women diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and diabetes completed 5 sessions of BA. As part of BA, goal identification, collaborative goal progression, and self-monitoring were emphasized to improve mood and diabetes management. Results were analyzed using a blend of changing criterion single case design and multiple baseline design across participants. Participants showed clinically significant improvement in targeted diabetes management behaviors and mood across phases. Results indicate the utility of BA for improving mood and blood glucose management in women with severe mental illnesses and diabetes
 
97. Improving Social Skills in Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Outcomes of a PEERS Replication
Area: CBM; Domain: Service Delivery
Kristen M. Kalymon (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Elizabeth Stratis (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Holly Majszak (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Laura Ambrose (Kennedy Krieger Institute), JOCELYN KUHN (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Tanisha Vanen (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Tiffany Born (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Research suggests that social skills are often a challenge for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This replication assessed the effectiveness of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) program, a caregiver-assisted social skills program for high-functioning adolescents with ASD. Eleven middle and high-school students, aged 11–16, and their parents, participated in a 14-week intervention across two outpatient clinic locations. Results from preliminary pre-post assessments revealed that the participants improved in their frequency of social engagement by hosting and attending get-togethers with similarly-aged peers. Results of the adolescents’ self-report also indicate improvement in knowledge about social skills. While preliminary results indicate no changes in parental ratings of stress over the course of the intervention, parental report of their adolescent’s social functioning, participation, and reciprocity in social interactions improved over the duration of the program and detrimental social behaviors decreased. Quantitative and qualitative findings as well as clinical implications will be shared.
 
98. Treatment of Noncompliance with Medical Procedures in Pediatric Primary Care
Area: CBM; Domain: Service Delivery
ANDREA ZAWOYSKI (Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center; University of Georgia), Sara S. Kupzyk (Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center), Christopher W Engler (Munroe-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Noncompliance with medical procedures includes attempts to escape or avoid medical procedures, resulting in increased risk of harm for patients and providers as well as decreased implementation of preventative care (Allen & Kupzyk, 2016). The current presentation evaluated the treatment of dental and eye examination noncompliance within a pediatric primary care clinic for Henry, a typically-developing 9-year-old male. Clinicians taught Henry coping responses and implemented a graduated exposure treatment package consisting of three phases: pictures, videos, and in-vivo practice of medical procedures. Procedures were divided into approximations towards the full procedure. Generalization trials with medical staff were also conducted. Data were collected on Henry’s Subjective Units of Discomfort (SUDS) ratings as well as observable distress behavior and coping response usage. Pilot data were collected for the dental examination. Data for three eye examination procedures are currently being evaluated using a multiple baseline design. Preliminary results suggest that noncompliance with medical procedures can be treated within pediatric primary care. Interobserver agreement and procedural integrity data will be monitored to ensure a high degree of confidence in the data. Overall, Henry’s case highlights the benefits of treating noncompliance with medical procedures within a medical setting, given increased opportunities for generalization programming.
 
99. Generalized Food Consumption Using a High-probability Instructional Sequence
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
VARSOVIA HERNANDEZ (Universidad Veracruzana), Jonathan K Fernand (University of Florida)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract:

High-probability (high-p) instructional sequences have been used to treat food selectivity exhibited by individuals with developmental disabilities (Patel et al, 2007; Penrod, Gardella, Fernand, 2012). However, the effects of similar strategies on generalization have yet to be studied and they have yet to be employed with children without developmental disabilities. The purpose of the current project was to examine the effects of delivering a high-probability (high-p) instructional sequence on generalized consumption of non-preferred foods with a typically developing 5-year-old boy who had a history of food selectivity. The high-p instructional sequence entailed a series of demands similar to Penrod et al. (2012) in which the final step was to consume the food. Praise was delivered after execution of each instruction and a preferred food was delivered if consumption occurred. Consumption increased for treatment foods and its effects generalized to foods with similar properties without the use of escape extinction. The importance of modifying behavioral feeding procedures developed with children with developmental disabilities to treat problems displayed by typically developing children will be discussed.

 
100. Identifying What Matters: Comparing Four Methods of Values Identification
Area: CBM; Domain: Basic Research
CHARLES KATE DINGUS (University of Mississippi), Emmie Hebert (University of Mississippi), Karen Kate Kellum (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Values have been described, from a behavioral perspective, as “freely chosen, verbally constructed consequences of ongoing, dynamic, evolving patterns of activity, which establish predominant reinforcers for that activity that are intrinsic in engagement in the valued behavioral pattern itself “ (Wilson & DuFrene, 2009). Emerging research supports the psychological benefits of interventions with a values component. However, there has been little experimental research that explores systematic methods of having participants and psychotherapy clients to identify their values. Previous researchers have used methods such as interviewing, values ranking, picking from a list of words, and generating their own words, but it has been unclear if there are distinct advantages to using one method over others. This study evaluated four methods of identifying values by comparing within-subject ratings of participant-generated values stimuli. Participants were undergraduate students at the University of Mississippi (N=68). The data suggest that having the participants choose from a list of presented values is an effective and simple preparation for values identification.
 
101. Discounting of Time and Health Benefits on Food Consumption Choice Behavior: A Series of Preliminary Investigations
Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research
S. CHEYANNE APT. C3 ASHE (Southern Illinois University), Jordan Belisle (Southern Illinois University), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University)
Discussant: Andrea Zawoyski (University of Georgia)
Abstract: Obesity is growing at an increasing rate in North American countries, and is a leading cause of disease and ultimately death in the Western world. The present series of three studies provide a behavioral model of factors that may influence unhealthy food consumption choice behaviors from a discounting paradigm. The first study was completed with 40 individuals, and evaluated the degree to which individuals discount weight loss and weight gain as a cumulative commodity over time. The results suggested that participants were more likely to engage in unhealthy choices when weight lost or gained was described as a proportional smaller value immediately, relative to a proportional larger value later. The second study was completed with 40 individuals, and evaluated how delayed to access to healthier food options, or higher overall cost of healthier food options, resulted in an increased probability of unhealthy food choices. The results suggested that both delay and overall cost have a decaying influence on unhealthy food choices. The third study was completed with 30 individuals, and provided an analysis comparing participants’ discounting of health choices that they would make for themselves, relative to health choices that they would make for others across various social distances. The results suggest that health choices made for others across social distances were predictive of health choices that they would make for themselves. Together, these three studies provide a preliminary analysis of factors that may influence unhealthy food consumption choices.
 
 

BACK TO THE TOP

 

Back to Top
ValidatorError
  
Modifed by Eddie Soh
DONATE
{"isActive":true,"interval":86400000,"timeout":20000,"url":"https://saba.abainternational.org/giving-day/","saba_donor_banner_html":"Help create a brighter future for behavior analysis by donating on Giving Day!","donate_now_text":"Donate Now"}