An Intervention Using Graduated Extinction to Decrease Bed-Sharing in 2- to 6-Year-Old Children

Abstract

This single-case-design experiment examined an intervention to decrease bed-sharing in children, ages 2 through 6. Three sessions were conducted with each parent. At the first session, parents described bed-sharing history and began collecting baseline data. At the second session, parents were instructed to employ the intervention. At the third session, parents were interviewed and offered continued support, if needed. Participants included three children who slept with their parents 4 or more nights per week. The intervention resulted in a substantial decrease in bed-sharing behavior for all participants, and parents reported being satisfied with the intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• bed-sharing
• childhood sleep problems
• co-sleep
• independence
• maturity
• nightmares