Management and Prevention of Hyperactivity and Conduct Disorders in 8-10 Year Old Boys Through Correspondence Training Procedures

Abstract

This study investigated the clinical effects of correspondence training in a group of boys aged 8 to 10. Four children were intervened with the “reinforcement set up on promises” technique: the reinforcer was set up (or displayed) contingent upon the patient's promised to inhibit instances of hyperactivity and conduct disorders, and delivered later contingent upon fulfillment of the promised. Three children received the “reinforcement of corresponding reports” technique: true reports about the inhibition of target behaviors in the past were reinforced. One subject was intervened with the “reinforcement of fulfillment of promises”: the reinforcer was presented and delivered contingent upon the fulfillment of the promises. A series of single-case experimental designs was employed to evaluate the clinical effects of each procedure upon target behaviors. Consistently low levels of hyperactivity and conduct disorders were noted relative to baseline observations. Academic performance was also improved during the introduction of correspondence training with some children