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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aromatic ammonia spirits applied contingent upon the severe aggression of a 7-year-old, mentally retarded and behavior-disordered child. A secondary purpose was to test a new method of administering the treatment. A within-subjects, repeated reversals design was used. Across 104 daily sessions, concurrent measures were obtained on aggression, inappropriate vocalizations, participation in planned activities, staring, teacher praise, and teacher touching. During experimental phases ammonia was applied contingent upon aggression and the behavior was abruptly suppressed. Concurrently, levels of untreated inappropriate vocalizations decreased and levels of participation in planned activities increased. These positive side effects diminished slightly after 3 or 4 months of treatment. Both the effects and side effects of treatment, however, were still evident at a 14-month follow-up. Results are discussed in terms of past research with contingent ammonia, side effects of punishment, and treatment precautions.

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Treating Chronic Aggression

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