Citation

Vaccaro FJ. Psychol. Aging 1988; 3(1): 22-28.

Affiliation

Hofstra University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, American Psychological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3268239

Abstract

This study used positive reinforcement schedules versus no reinforcement on a group of 6 highly aggressive, institutionalized elderly patients. Dependent measures included confirmed incidents of physical and verbal aggressive behavior monitored across an ABAB design with a 4-month phase-out period. Results indicated that aggressive behavior can be significantly decreased in a group setting and subsequently generalized to ward behavior. Ancillary aspects of the study included the role of tangible and back-up reinforcers and staff attitude and behavior. Implications for future research are discussed.

Language: en