Date of Award

8-1983

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua

Second Advisor

Dr. Richard W. Malott

Third Advisor

Dr. Alan Poling

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Several behavioral treatments utilizing the delivery of preferred food with praise contingent upon consumption of nonpreferred foods were evaluated with a multiply handicapped child who exhibited multiple food aversions. Behavioral assessments of food preferences were used to identify preferred and nonpreferred foods and to monitor changes in the subject's preferences for nonpreferred target foods relative to other foods.

Following the implementation of treatment contingencies, a modest increase in the consumption of one nonpreferred target food, and substantial increases in consumption of a second nonpreferred target food, milk, other foods appearing on the lunch menu, and essential nutrients were observed. In addition, a modest change in the subject's preference for one nonpreferred target food relative to two other foods occurred. These results suggest that contingent preferred food with praise, alone and in combination with other techniques, may be an effective means of increasing the consumption of nonpreferred foods in children exhibiting multiple food aversions.

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Psychology Commons

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