Single-case Evaluation of Contingent and Noncontingent Deep Pressure Stimulation on Problem and On-task Behavior
Citations
Abstract
Limited research has examined the integration of occupational therapy (OT) and ABA approaches. This study evaluated the implementation of deep pressure stimulation (DPS) contingently and noncontingently using a multielement single-case design with a reversal to determine effects on problem behavior, on-task behavior, and physiological arousal. Deep pressure is a commonly used sensory-based intervention in OT and has been identified as a reinforcer making it important to understand how delivery schedules impact behavior essential for learning and functional participation. The results suggest both delivery schedules improve problem behavior and on-task behavior, yet delivery of DPS noncontingently was slightly more effective at reducing problem behavior, and contingent delivery was substantially more effective at increasing on-task behavior. The impact on physiological arousal and clinical implications of these findings for both ABA and OT are discussed.
