Eliminating Stealing in Developmentally Disabled Children

Abstract

Five emotionally disturbed children who were inpatients at a university affiliated psychiatric institute received treatment for frequent episodes of stealing. In study 1, overcorrection, which consisted of returning stolen items and apologizing to the victim, was employed. Also, they were to clean up the unit contingent on the detection of a stolen item in their room after daily room checks. Treatment proved to be effective in a short period of time for all subjects. Positive gains were maintained in a follow-up for the two subjects assessed. In study 2, three mildly mentally retarded children with emotional problems were given two treatments in a multiple baseline format. First, reinforcement was provided. It consisted of giving a reward to the child eachday that he/she did not steal. Overcorrection was then employed. The latter treatment proved to be more effective. Ethical considerations in such treatment are discussed.