MODELAGEM DE COMPORTAMENTO PARA CONTROLE DA ESQUIZOFRENIA

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to utilize differential reinforcement of target behaviors in the repertoire of a person with the diagnosis of schizophrenia observing the general changes in his social repertoire and vocalizations. Procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis were used. The participant was a 47 years, single, semianalphabet male, descendant of a family with few economic resources and had been internalized in several psiquiatric institutions since he was 18. The participant was chosen based on direct observations of his behaviors in the institution. Three classes of problem behaviors were chosen to undergo intervention: low visual contact, low volume of voice and short sentences. The frequency of delusional speech was also quantified. The multiple baseline design was used to control de procedures. The interventions were made in individual sessions of free talks between the researcher and the participant. The researcher presented social reinforcements contingent to the target behaviors, changing it when it stabilized at a high frequency. The intervention proved effective to raise the frequency of the target behaviors. No alteration was observed on the delusional speech.