Differential reinforcement of alternative verbal behavior of a schizophrenic patient

Authors

  • Ilma A. Goulart de Souza Britto
  • Myriam Christina A. Rodrigues
  • Daísy Cléia O. Santos
  • Maurícia A. Ribeiro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v8i1.20

Keywords:

Falas psicóticas. Intervenção comportamental. Esquizofrenia, Psychotic speeches. Behavioral intervention. Schizophrenia

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the verbal behavior of a 49-year-old man who had been diagnosed as chronical schizophrenic since he was 20 years old. The intervention was implemented in two response classes: psychotic speeches and appropriate speeches. The procedures of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors and extinction were conducted by research assistants in 45-minute sessions, twice a week. Experimental control was obtained through an ABAB reversal design followed by Follow-up. All sessions were video recorded for posterior data reliability calculation. The study results show a reduction of psychotic speeches and an increase in appropriate speeches during intervention sessions. The data demonstrate that the verbal behavior of a person diagnosed as schizophrenic can be controlled by social reinforcement combined with extinction. Delusion and hallucinations were discussed as verbal behavior.

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Published

2006-02-01

How to Cite

Britto, I. A. G. de S., Rodrigues, M. C. A., Santos, D. C. O., & Ribeiro, M. A. (2006). Differential reinforcement of alternative verbal behavior of a schizophrenic patient. Brazilian Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, 8(1), 73–84. https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v8i1.20

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Section

Articles