Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Cynthia M. Anderson.
Committee Co-Chair
Michael Perone
Committee Member
Lindsey L. Cohen
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that contingency-based interventions are effective for decreasing mealtime problem behavior and increasing the amount and variety of food accepted. To date, two published studies have examined the effects of specific contextual variables (food type and texture or session pre-feeding) on mealtime behavior. Research with problem behavior occurring outside of mealtime suggests that problem behavior may often be under the control of contextual or contextual variables. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the effect of contextual variables on mealtime behavior. Four children and their caregivers served as participants in both Phases 1 and 2. In Phase 1 preference and pre-feeding assessments were conducted. In Phase 2 participants were exposed to 3 or 4 contextual variables (e.g., preferred food present, tangible, idiosyncratic and other family members present) under conditions of food deprivation versus session pre-feeding. Across participants, the occurrence of mealtime problem behavior was found to decrease during the presentation of different contextual variable arrangements.
Recommended Citation
McCartney, Ellen J., "Effect of contextual variables on mealtime problem behavior in the natural environment" (2004). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 813.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/813