Prediction and control of wandering behavior : simulating natural contingencies of control

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Authors
Holmes, Thomas R.
Advisor
Meunier, Gary F.
Issue Date
1986
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an intervention designed to reduce the wandering of an 80 year old female resident of a long term care facility. A behavioral analysis of natural contingencies which maintained behaviors incompatible with wandering was conducted and the data from this analysis used to develop an intervention. The intervention simulated a dining room table and coffee break which naturally maintained sitting. An ABAC design revealed that this intervention was functionally related to a reduction in the proportion of a twenty minute interval spent wandering. The discussion focuses on possible causes of wandering and future directions for establishing a behavioral technology to control wandering.

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