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Behavior Therapy of Thumbsucking in Children: A Punishment (Time-out) and Generalization Effect—What's a Mother to Do?

Thumbsucking and finger-scratching behaviors were examined under punishing conditions using time-out from positive reinforcement (T-O), and T-O with instruction. Four nursery school children, ages 3½ to 5 yr., served as Ss. A generalization measure, during storytime in the nursery school, was taken prior to the initiation of treatment sessions and 1 mo. after treatment. Treatment consisted of four sessions during which the child was seated in front of a TV set and invited to watch Saturday morning cartoons. One E recorded seconds of thumbsucking and of not sucking. The other E sat slightly behind the child and operated a remote control switch controlling the TV. When the child inserted his thumb into his mouth, the cartoon was turned off (T-O). Removal of the thumb reinstated the cartoon. 2 of the children were instructed as to why the TV was turned off (T-O with instruction); one was not (T-O). Results indicated that both conditions stopped thumbsucking. Generalization appeared greater for the T-O instructed Ss. A control S not receiving the treatment, continued with a high rate of thumbsucking. The method and results are discussed in terms of applicability for behavior therapy in the home, school or clinic.