ABA Applications in the Prevention and Treatment of Medical Problems

Keith D. Allen, Jeffrey F. Hine

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Applied behavior analysts are interested in solving problems that matter to people, and there is little that matters more to people than their physical health. As a result, applied behavior analysts have been tackling problems of physical health for decades. But this research is not always easy to find, as it is often disseminated via conferences and journals outside of applied behavior analysis. This chapter reviews three programs of research in applied behavior analysis that have addressed prevention and treatment of chronic medical problems in children, including: recurrent headaches, distress during invasive dental procedures, and vocal dysphonias. All three demonstrate the application of behavioral principles to solve significant health-related problems. These reviews provide guidance in the treatment of these specific medical problems, and also serve as a model for how applied behavior analysts might conduct programs of research with medical problems. The review demonstrates the scope of ABA in addressing issues of social significance, hopefully encouraging others to see opportunities for extending the reach of ABA into the mainstream of physical health care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationClinical and Organizational Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis
PublisherElsevier
Pages95-124
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic)9780124202498
ISBN (Print)9780128007938
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Applied behavior analysis
  • Dentistry
  • Dysphonia
  • Headaches
  • Pediatric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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