Reinforcer thinning: General approaches and considerations for maintaining skills and mitigating relapse

Authors

• Adam M. Briggs, Eastern Michigan University
• Daniel R. Mitteer, Children’s Specialized Hospital–Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services
• Samantha Bergmann, University of North Texas
• Brian D. Greer, Children’s Specialized Hospital–Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2023

Department/School

Psychology

Publication Title

Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis: Integrating Research into Practice

Abstract

Programming dense schedules of potent reinforcers is typically needed to establish new behavior and, in some cases, to continue suppressing maladaptive behavior. However, the ultimate goal is to maintain newly acquired behavior under naturally occurring reinforcement contingencies. This requires behavior analysts to thoughtfully and systematically plan for this transition. The process can take a variety of different forms based on the behavior-change context (i.e., behavior reduction vs. skill acquisition) and the type of reinforcers being thinned (i.e., functional vs. extrinsic). We provide an overview of several thinning tactics, describe particulars of each thinning approach, review implementation considerations, and discuss strengths and limitations of each approach.

Comments

A. M. Briggs is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Psychology.

Recommended Citation

Briggs, A. M., Mitteer, D. R., Bergmann, S., & Greer, B. D. (2023). Reinforcer thinning: General approaches and considerations for maintaining skills and mitigating relapse. In J. L. Matson (Ed.), Handbook of applied behavior analysis: Integrating research into practice (pp. 105–122). Springer International. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19964-6_6