Graduation Date

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis

First Advisor

Catalina Rey, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

MeSH Headings

Extinction (Psychological), Humans, Operant Conditioning, Reinforcement, Relapse, Translational Research

Abstract

Resurgence, a form of behavioral relapse, occurs when a previously reduced target behavior reemerges after an alternative source of reinforcement is discontinued. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) are commonly used strategies to reduce undesired behaviors. Although both are effective, unanticipated periods of extinction (e.g., service lapses or staff turnover) may lead to resurgence of the original target behavior. Romano and St. Peter (2017) found that behavior reduced via DRO was more prone to resurgence than behavior reduced via DRA. However, their study used a different number of response options between conditions (one for DRO, two for DRA), which may have influenced the outcomes. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend Romano and St. Peter by comparing resurgence following DRO and DRA in a human operant arrangement while controlling for the number of response options across conditions. Overall, results indicated that DRO did not lead to a greater likelihood or magnitude of resurgence compared to DRA when the number of response options was held constant. These findings provide valuable insights into the durability of reinforcement-based interventions, allowing clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions.

Comments

2025 Copyright, the authors

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