Experimental analysis of a technique based on the Premack principle changing verbal behavior of depressed individuals.

Abstract

A technique based on the Premack principle was successfully used in the laboratory to change verbal behavior. The aim of the present study was to identify the critical behavioral change agents in this situation. Four groups of depressed Ss were used. The treatment of one group was based on the Premack principle. The other groups received treatment based on critical isolated components of this procedure. The first group showed a significant increase in the low-frequency verbal behavior. Contingent light onset was rejected as a critical behavioral change agent but deprivation of high-frequency verbal behavior could not be rejected. The results are discussed relative to the potential application of these findings to treatment.