Abstract

MOREIRA, Fernanda Resende  and  VERMES, Joana Singer. Operant extinction and its implications: an analysis of the use in an episode of Supernanny. Perspectivas [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.2, pp. 99-118. ISSN 2177-3548.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18761/pac.2015.019.

The clinical use of operant extinction procedures plays an important role in reducing behavior problems. However, the aversive potential of this procedure was demonstrated experimentally, resulting in similar patterns to the aversive conditions, indicating thus a cautious use. In order to discuss the application of this procedure in children's clinic, the analysis of an episode of the television program Supernanny was conducted. It was attempted to describe and evaluate the use of these procedures in the author's interpretative perspective and the guidelines set out by the Applied Behavior Analysis Manual for using these procedures. Strategies for reducing tantrums and installing child sleep behavior were analyzed. Results showed that the techniques employed corresponded partially to the above author's guidelines. Tantrum procedures did not fully correspond to how descriptions of Behavior Analysis define extinction and differential reinforcement. On the other hand, bedtime procedure was well designed and best met the author's guidelines. After the procedures analysis it is suggested that the program should not be used only as a guideline for solving child behavior problems for TV viewers.

Keywords : extinction; differential reinforcement; Supernanny; child behavior analytic therapy.

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