The Influence of Preference and Choice of Activity on Problem Behavior

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that assigning preferred tasks or providing opportunities for choice among tasks can lead to reduced levels of problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this article is to review the literature concerning the influence of preference and choice of activities on problem behavior. Possible mechanisms of action underlying the positive effects of preference and choice making are examined, and the usefulness of conducting a functional assessment prior to designing interventions involving such antecedent manipulations is discussed. Finally, important areas for future research are highlighted.

The Effects of Presenting High-Preference Items, Paired With Choice, Via Computer-Based Video Programming on Task Completion of Students With Autism

“…Of interest to the current study is the motivating and reinforcing value of providing choice. Provision of choice has been shown to be effective in increasing task engagement (Bambara, Ager, & Koger, 1994), decreasing problem behaviors (Carter, 2001;Cole & Levinson, 2002;Romaniuk & Miltenberger, 2001;Kern, Mantegna, Vorndran, Bailin, & Hilt, 2001), increasing task completion (Moes, 1998;Parsons, Reid, Reynolds, & Bumgarner, 1990), and increasing task initiations (Bambara, Koger, Katzer, & Davenport, 1995). Areas of choice may include engagement or nonengagement in activities, choice between tasks or activities, material use, and partners (Shevin & Klein, 1984).…”

Increasing Task Engagement Using Preference or Choice-Making

“…First, past reviews have focused mostly on each intervention's effects on problem behavior (Kern et al, 1998;Lancioni et al, 1996;Romaniuk & Miltenberger, 2001;Shogren et al, 2004). First, past reviews have focused mostly on each intervention's effects on problem behavior (Kern et al, 1998;Lancioni et al, 1996;Romaniuk & Miltenberger, 2001;Shogren et al, 2004).…”

“…Each database was searched using the following terms: effects of preference, (Romaniuk & Miltenberger, 2001), and more positive experiences throughout the school day. Each database was searched using the following terms: effects of preference, (Romaniuk & Miltenberger, 2001), and more positive experiences throughout the school day.…”

Psychopathology: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Other Conditions Present in Early Childhood

“…PRT is another form of behavioral treatment approach that utilizes naturalistic situations to teach children to adopt more generalized skills, increase motivation, and with minimal prompting needed. Similarly, PRT has been used with children with ASD and targets increased skill generalization, self-management, and motivation (Bryson et al 2007;Carter 2001;Koegel et al 2003;Romaniuk and Miltenberger 2001). Low-intensity behavioral treatment is a modified version of standard ABA that was created to address the intervention barriers experienced by clinicians and parents (e.g., schedule availability, staff issues) (Peters-Scheffer et al 2010).…”