Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, Vol 22(4), Nov 2022, 382-388; doi:10.1037/bar0000262
Within the behavioral gerontology literature, researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral interventions across a number of behaviors often associated with neurocognitive impairment such as physical aggression, disruptive vocalizations (e.g., yelling, repetitive statements), hoarding, and wandering. Few studies have focused on less common behaviors, such as spitting. The current study sought to assess and treat spitting during meal times by a 74-year old male diagnosed with vascular dementia in a locked memory care unit. Results from a setting analysis demonstrated a higher rate of spitting per minute when he had access to food and drinks in the dining room. Researchers implemented an antecedent-based intervention that increased socially appropriate spitting (i.e., in a trashcan) relative to less socially appropriate spitting (i.e., spitting on the floor) during meals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)