The effect of peer influence systems on children's coercive behavior

Abstract

The coercive behavior of five behaviorally disordered children was examined under two peer influence programs—a Group Contingency (GC) and a Peer Administered (PA) token economy. The Group Contingency involved tutor‐imposed consequences contingent upon the group's collective behavior. The Peer Administered system involved teaching contingency management skills to the children and allowing them to administer the program. Results indicated that levels of coercion decreased when the PA and GC programs were in effect. Maintenance of lowered levels of coercion in comparison with initial baseline levels was observed following the removal of both systems. Also the effectiveness of peer influence programs in reducing disruptive behavior and increasing time‐on‐task was demonstrated upon initial introduction of the PA system and the second introduction of the GC system. Results are discussed in terms of their implication for the use of peer influence systems in behavior change programs.