A multi‐component approach to the treatment of chronic rumination

Abstract

A multi-component intervention was used to treat chronic rumination exhibited by an adult female diagnosed with a developmental disability. The intervention consisted of: (a) interruption of precursor behavior, (b) the alternation of 10-min periods of continued instruction that involved walking and working with (c) 10-min periods in which instructions were not delivered but a variable time 5-s schedule of noncontingent attention was programmed, and (d) a 1-min differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) schedule. During the intervention, rumination decreased by 82% relative to baseline. Next, components of the multi-component intervention were systematically removed to evaluate their individual contribution. Results suggested that each individual component contributed to the overall treatment effects.

Implementing a low‐starch biscuit‐free diet in zoo gorillas: The impact on behavior

“…The etiology of this behavior in both species is unknown, although boredom, stress, extension of feeding times, and enjoyment associated with re‐consuming preferred food items have been suggested as causes for gorillas [Lukas, ]. In humans, R/R can be reduced through behavioral interventions including aversive stimulation when the behavior is performed [Sanders‐Dewey and Larson, ] or by combining several techniques such as rewarding other behaviors, interrupting the behavior, and exercise [Wrigley et al, ].…”

Empirically derived consequences to treat rumination

“…Additionally, previous researchers have suggested that interventions involving noncontingent access to food may result in excessive caloric intake and unintended weight gain (Rast, Ellinger‐Allen, & Johnston, ). Finally, some individuals may ruminate more during meals and periods of access to food (Wrigley, Kahn, Winder, Vollmer, & Sy, ) or following access to highly preferred food. For example, in a recent study on the effects of food preference on rumination, Wilder and Neve () conducted a preference assessment of food items and provided the participant noncontingent access to high‐, moderate‐, and low‐preference food.…”

A Multicomponent Evaluation of Food Properties Affecting Rumination in an Adult with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Although rumination may be subject to processes of respondent conditioning, multiple studies have examined the functional properties of rumination through functional analyses (FAs). Researchers have concluded rumination often persists in the absence of social consequences, suggesting that it is maintained by automatic sources of reinforcement (e.g., Kenzer & Wallace, 2007;Lyons et 2 al., 2007;Rhine & Tarbox, 2009;Wilder et al, 2009;Wrigley et al, 2010;Kleigert and Tiger, 2011;Sharp et al, 2012;& Woods et al, 2013). Researchers have also found similar results when using other forms of functional assessment.…”