An Initial Evaluation of Trial-Based Functional Analyses of Inappropriate Mealtime Behavior

Abstract

Treatment of inappropriate mealtime behavior (IMB) should involve a functional analysis to determine variables maintaining the target behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the trial-based functional analysis of IMB and assess correspondence of the results with a traditional functional analysis. The participants were two boys, ages 3 and 5 years old, diagnosed with developmental disabilities. A trial-based functional analysis and traditional analogue functional analysis of IMB were conducted with each participant, with the order of functional analyses counterbalanced across participants. The trial-based functional analysis resulted in differentially higher levels of IMB in one or more test conditions, indicating a social function of IMB for both participants. In addition, the results of the trial-based and traditional functional analysis corresponded for both participants. The subsequent function-based intervention, developed based on the results of the trial-based functional analysis, was associated with a decrease in IMB and an increase in appropriate feeding behaviors for both participants. The results of this study provide initial support for the use of trial-based functional analysis to assess the function of IMB.