The Effects of Noncontingent Reinforcement on Escape-Maintained Challenging Behavior and on Indices of Happiness

Escape behaviors and indices of happiness were measured to see the effects of highly preferred items on these behaviors when presented during task completion. Participants showed lower rates of escape and higher rates of indices of happiness in the noncontingent reinforcement condition. The results suggest that providing highly preferred items during demand situations may decrease escape behaviors and increase indices of happiness.