Association for Behavior Analysis International

Extensive research has demonstrated the efficacy of interventions using differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) for reducing undesirable behavior. Although these interventions are efficacious, empirical studies have demonstrated that DRA treatments often fail to maintain behavior reductions under challenging conditions. For example, changes in context and reductions in treatment fidelity often cause undesirable behavior to recur. When problem behavior returns following initially efficacious interventions, this is generally known as treatment relapse. Research has shown that treatment relapse is a highly prevalent phenomenon in clinical settings, suggesting an urgent need to understand the variables affecting relapse and the development of mitigation strategies to minimize its occurrence. Translational research is beneficial for manipulating the relevant variables present during treatment challenges using precisely controlled procedures, providing researchers with knowledge that can be used to develop techniques to enhance the durability of DRA interventions in applied settings. In this symposium, our presenters will share their recent research on treatment relapse following DRA interventions using translational preparations. Implications for such findings for individuals with problem behavior and future endeavors for treatment relapse research will be discussed.