Abstract
Behavioral momentum theory (BMT) is a quantitative model used to describe the persistence of behavior in the face of varying challenges (e.g., extinction, distraction). Generally, BMT predicts that responses that occur under stimulus conditions associated with denser reinforcement will persist in the face of challenges to a greater extent than responses that occur under conditions associated with leaner reinforcement. In this chapter, we consider ways in which BMT has made contact with the literature on behavioral intervention for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We first review early studies that sought simply to establish the relevance of BMT for understanding behavior in these populations. We then discuss how the momentum framework has been implicated in programs to both strengthen adaptive behavior and decrease problem behavior. Recent basic research on BMT has revealed that the set of variables that predict response persistence similarly influence various forms of behavioral reemergence or relapse. We consider how these findings have recently been brought to bear on the concept of treatment relapse in neurodevelopmental disorders. Throughout the chapter, we offer a variety of questions raised about these relations and future avenues for research on the applied implications, many involving how BMT intersects with core diagnostic features of ASD.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ahearn, W. H., Clark, K. M., Gardenier, N. C., Chung, B. I., & Dube, W. V. (2003). Persistence of stereotypic behavior: Examining the effects of external reinforcers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 439–448.
Anderson, C. M., & Long, E. S. (2002). Use of a structured descriptive assessment methodology to identify variables affecting problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 137–154.
Athens, E. S., & Vollmer, T. R. (2010). An investigation of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior without extinction. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 569–589.
Benavides, C. A., & Poulson, C. L. (2009). Task interspersal and performance of matching tasks by preschoolers with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3, 619–629.
Brandon, P. K., & Houlihan, D. (1997). Applying behavioral theory to practice: An examination of the behavioral momentum metaphor. Behavioral Interventions, 12, 113–131.
Carter, S. L. (2010). A comparison of various forms of reinforcement with and without extinction as treatment for escape-maintained problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 543–546.
Charlop, M. H., Kurtz, P. F., & Milstein, J. P. (1992). Too much reinforcement, too little behavior: Assessing task interspersal procedures in conjunction with different reinforcement schedules with autistic children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 795–808.
Chong, I. M., & Carr, J. E. (2005). An investigation of the potentially adverse effects of task interspersal. Behavioral Interventions, 20, 285–300.
Dawson, G., Webb, S., Schellenberg, G. D., Dager, S., Friedman, S., Aylward, E., & Richards, T. (2002). Defining the broader phenotype of autism: Genetic, brain, and behavioral perspectives. Development and Psychopathology, 14, 581–611. doi:10.1017.S0954579402003103
DeLeon, I. G., Fisher, W. W., Herman, K. M., & Crosland, K. C. (2000). Assessment of a response bias for aggression over functionally equivalent appropriate behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 73–77.
DeLeon, I. G., Neidert, P. L., Anders, B. M., & Rodriguez-Catter, V. (2001). Choices between positive and negative reinforcement during treatment for escape-maintained behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 521–525.
DeLeon, I. G., Allman, M. J., Richman, D., Triggs, M., Frank, M., Carreau, A., & Vartoomian, S. (2011a). Functional analysis of behavioral disturbance related to autistic symptomology. In E. Mayville & J. Mulick (Eds.), Behavioral foundations of effective autism treatment. Cornwall-on-Hudson: Sloan Publishing.
DeLeon, I. G., Gregory, M. K., Frank-Craword, M. A., Allman, M. J., Wilke, A. E., Carreau-Webster, A. B., & Triggs, M. M. (2011b). Examination of the influence of contingency on changes in reinforcer value. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 543–558.
Dichter, G. S., Richey, J. A., Rittenberg, A. M., Sabatino, A., & Bodfish, J. W. (2012). Reward circuitry function in autism during face anticipation and outcomes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42, 147–160
Dube, W. V., & McIlvane, W. J. (2001). Behavioral momentum in computer-presented discriminations in individuals with severe mental retardation. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 75, 15–23.
Dube, W. V., McIlvane, W. J., Mazzitelli, K., & McNamara, B. (2003). Reinforcer rate effects and behavioral momentum in individuals with developmental disabilities. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 108, 134–143.
Dunlap, G. (1984). The influence of task variation and maintenance tasks on the learning and affect of autistic children. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 37, 41–64.
Durand, V., & Crimmins, D. (1988). Identifying the variables maintaining self-injurious behaviors. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 18, 99–117.
Fisher, W. W., Kuhn, D. E., & Thompson, R. H. (1998). Establishing discriminative control of responding using functional and alternative reinforcers during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 543–560.
Fisher, W. W., Thompson, R. H., Hagopian, L. P., Bowman, L. G., & Krug, A. (2000). Facilitating tolerance of delayed reinforcement during functional communication training. Behavior Modification, 24, 3–29.
Grimes, J. A., & Shull, R. L. (2001). Response-independent milk delivery enhances persistence of pellet-reinforced lever pressing by rats. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 76, 179–194.
Hagopian, L. P., Dozier, C. L., Rooker, G. W., Jones, B. A. (2013a) Assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior. In G. J. Madden, W. V. Dube, G. P. Hanley, T. D. Hackenberg, & K. A. Lattal (Eds.), APA handbook of behavior analysis, Vol. 2: Translating principles into practice (pp. 353–386). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Hagopian, L. P., Rooker, G. W., Jessel, J., & DeLeon, I. G. (2013b). Initial functional analysis outcomes and modifications in pursuit of differentiation: A summary of 176 inpatient cases. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 88–100.
Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & Thompson, R. H. (2001). Reinforcement schedule thinning following treatment with functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 17–38.
Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). Functional analysis of problem behavior: A review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 147–185.
Herrnstein, R. J. (1970). On the law of effect. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 13, 243–266.
Houlihan, D., & Brandon, P. K. (1996). Compliant in a moment: A commentary on Nevin. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 549–555.
Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1982). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2, 3–20.
Iwata, B. A., DeLeon, I. G., & Roscoe, E. M. (2013). Reliability and validity of the functional analysis screening tool. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 271–284.
Jarmolowicz, D. P., DeLeon, I. G., & Contrucci-Kuhn, S. A. (2009). Functional communication during signaled reinforcement and/or extinction. Behavioral Interventions, 24, 265–273.
Kahng, S., Iwata, B. A., & Lewin, A. (2002). Behavioral treatment of self-Injury, 1964 to 2000. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 107, 212–221.
Kuhn, D. E., Chirighin, A. E., & Zelenka, K. (2010). Discriminated functional communication: A procedural extension of functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 249–264.
Lee, D. L. (2005). Increasing compliance: A quantitative synthesis of applied research on high-probability request sequences. Exceptionality, 13, 141–154.
Lionello-DeNolf, K. M., Dube, W. V., & McIlvane, W. J. (2010). Evaluation of resistance to change under different disrupter conditions in children with autism and severe intellectual disability. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 93, 369–383.
Lomas, J. E., Fisher, W. W., & Kelley, M. E. (2010). The effects of variable-time delivery of food items and praise on problem behavior reinforced by escape. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 425–435.
MacDonald, J. M., Ahearn, W. H., Parry-Cruwys, D., Bancroft, S., & Dube, W. V. (2013). Persistence during extinction: Examining the effects of continuous and intermittent reinforcement on problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 333–338.
Mace, F. C., Hock, M. L., Lalli, J. S., West, B. J., Belfiore, P., Pinter, E., & Brown, D. K. (1988). Behavioral momentum in the treatment of noncompliance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 21, 123–141.
Mace, F. C., Lalli, J. S., Shea, M. C., Lalli, E. P., West, B. J., Roberts, M., & Nevin, J. A. (1990). The momentum of human behavior in a natural setting. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 54, 163–172.
Mace, F. C., Lalli, J. S., Shea, M. C., & Nevin, J. A. (1992). Behavioral momentum in college basketball. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 657–663.
Mace, F. C., McComas, J. J., Mauro, B. C., Progar, P. R., Ervin, R., & Zangrillo, A. N. (2010). Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior increases resistance to extinction: Clinical demonstration, animal modeling, and clinical test of one solution. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 93, 349–367.
Matson, J. L., & Vollmer, T. (1995). Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). Baton Rouge: Disability Consultants, LLC
Milo, J., Mace, F. C., & Nevin, J. A. (2010). The effects of constant versus varied reinforcers on preference and resistance to change. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 93, 385–394.
Neef, N. A., Iwata, B. A., & Page, T. J. (1980). The effects of interspersal training versus high-density reinforcement on spelling acquisition and retention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13, 153–158.
Nevin, J. A. (1974). Response strength in multiple schedules. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 21, 389–408.
Nevin, J. A. (1984). Pavlovian determiners of behavioral momentum. Animal Learning & Behavior, 12, 363–370.
Nevin, J. A. (1988). Behavioral momentum and the partial reinforcement effect. Psychological Bulletin, 103, 44–56.
Nevin, J. A. (1992). An integrative model for the study of behavioral momentum. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 57, 301–316.
Nevin, J. A., & Grace, R. C. (2000). Behavioral momentum. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23, 73–130.
Nevin, J. A., & Shahan, T. A. (2011). Behavioral momentum theory: Equations and applications. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 877–895.
Nevin, J. A., & Wacker, D. P. (2013). Response strength and persistence. In G. J. Madden, W. V. Dube, T. D. Hackenberg, G. P. Hanley, & K. A. Lattal (Eds.), APA handbook of behavior analysis, Vol. 2: Translating principles into practice (pp. 109–128). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Nevin, J. A., Mandell, C., & Atak, J. R. (1983). The analysis of behavioral momentum. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 39, 49–59.
Nevin, J. A., Tota, M. E., Torquato, R. D., & Shull, R. L. (1990). Alternative reinforcement increases resistance to change: Pavlovian or operant contingencies? Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53, 359–379.
Parry-Cruwys, D. E., Neal, C. M., Ahearn, W. H., Wheeler, E. E., Premchander, R., Loeb, M. B., & Dube, W. B. (2011). Resistance to disruption in a classroom setting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 363–367.
Petscher, E. S., Rey, C., & Bailey, J. S. (2009). A review of empirical support for differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 30, 409–425.
Plaud, J. J., & Gaither, G. A. (1996). Behavioral momentum implications and development from reinforcement theories. Behavior Modification, 20, 183–201.
Podlesnik, C. A., & Shahan, T. A. (2009). Behavioral momentum and relapse of extinguished operant responding. Learning & Behavior, 37, 357–364.
Podlesnik, C. A., & Shahan, T. A. (2010). Extinction, relapse, and behavioral momentum. Behavioural Processes, 84, 400–411.
Pritchard, D., Hoerger, M., & Mace, F. C. (2014). Treatment relapse and behavioral momentum theory. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47, 814–833.
Poling, A. (2010). Looking to the future: Will behavior analysis survive and prosper? The Behavior Analyst, 33, 7–17.
Roane, H. S., Kelley, M. E., Trosclair, N. M., & Hauer, L. S. (2004). Behavioral momentum in sports: A partial replication with women’s basketball. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 385–390.
Rojahn, J., DeLeon, I. G., Rooker, G. W., Frank-Crawford, M. A., Carreau-Webster, A. B, & Leon-Enriquez, Y. (2012). Function-based behavioral intervention for self-injury. In James K. Luiselli (Ed.), The handbook of high-risk challenging behaviors: Assessment and intervention. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Shahan, T. A., & Burke, K. A. (2004). Ethanol-maintained responding of rats is more resistant to change in a context with added non-drug reinforcement. Behavioral Pharmacology, 15, 279–285.
Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Skinner, C. H. (2002). An empirical analysis of interspersal research: Evidence, implications, and applications of the discrete task completion hypothesis. Journal of School Psychology, 40, 347–368.
St. Peter Pipkin, C., Vollmer, T. R., & Sloman, K. N. (2010). Effects of treatment integrity failures during differential reinforcement of alternative behavior: A translational model. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 47–70.
Sweeney, M. M., & Shahan, T. A. (2013). Effects of high, low, and thinning rates of alternative reinforcement on response elimination and resurgence. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 100, 102–116.
Volkert, V. M., Lerman, D. C., Trosclair, N., Addison, L., & Kodak, T. (2008). An exploratory analysis of task-interspersal procedures while teaching object labels to children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41, 335–350.
Vollmer, T. R., Roane, H. S., Ringdahl, J. E., & Marcus, B. A. (1999). Evaluating treatment challenges with differential reinforcement of alternative behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 9–23.
Vollmer, T. R., Borrero, J. C., Wright, C. S., Van Camp, C., & Lalli, J. S. (2001). Identifying possible contingencies during descriptive analyses of severe behavior disorders. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 269–287.
Winborn, L., Wacker, D. P., Richman, D. M., Asmus, J., & Geier, D. (2002). Assessment of mand selection for functional communication training packages. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 35, 295–298.
Worsdell, A. S., Iwata, B. A., Hanley, G. P., Thompson, R. H., & Kahng, S. (2000). Effects of continuous and intermittent reinforcement for problem behavior during functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 167–179.
Zanolli, K., & Daggett, J. (1998). The effects of reinforcement rate on the spontaneous social initiations of socially withdrawn preschoolers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 117–125.
Acknowledgments
Preparation of this manuscript by IGD was supported by Grants R01-HD049753, R01-HD064576, and P01-HD055456 from the Eunice K. Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NICHD. We thank Michelle Frank-Crawford for additional contributions to the preparation of the manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
DeLeon, I., Podlesnik, C., Miller, J. (2015). Implications of Behavioral Momentum Theory for Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: DiGennaro Reed, F., Reed, D. (eds) Autism Service Delivery. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2656-5_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2656-5_13
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2655-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2656-5
eBook Packages: Behavioral ScienceBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)