”Beat-the-Buzzer”:

Abstract

Dawdling and noncompliance with the morning routine can result in frustration and parent-child conflicts. “Beat-the-Buzzer” is a contingency management procedure which has been anecdotally reported useful for decreasing dawdling and noncompliance. However, its effects on family interactions has not been examined. Thus, the focus of the present study was twofold: (1) to experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the concomitant effect on the interactions between parent and child. Two studies were conducted: the first was a multiple baseline design across two subjects; the second study was a single-case replication of the first. Both studies followed the same protocol and contained one week of follow-up data taken one month after formal data collection was completed. The program was assessed by parents' daily reports of their child's compliance with the routine and the number of noncompliant behaviors exhibited and reminders needed that morning. The parents also recorded whether or not the child was ready on time and how long it took the child to get ready. Further, the children were asked to rate daily how well they and their parent got along that morning. Treatment acceptability measures were also taken. The studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the program in increasing on-time behavior and compliance, as well as in decreasing the amount of time taken to prepare to leave and the number of noncompliant behaviors and reminders. Further, a decrease in the number of negative interactions between the parents and children was noted, thus, making mornings a more positive experience for the family. Finally, in terms of treatment acceptability, the parents rated the procedure as easy to use, effective, improving the child's compliance, and as decreasing morning conflicts. Potential problems with the program are discussed, as are future research directions.