Planned Ignoring Includes Contingent Removal Of

Planned Ignoring: Understanding Contingent Removal and its Effective Implementation

Planned ignoring, a cornerstone of many behavioral intervention strategies, is often misunderstood. It's not about simply ignoring a child's behavior; rather, it's a carefully planned and strategically implemented technique that involves the contingent removal of attention. This means attention is removed only when a specific undesirable behavior occurs. This crucial distinction differentiates planned ignoring from passive neglect. Understanding the nuances of planned ignoring, specifically its reliance on contingent removal of attention, is key to its effective and ethical application.

What is Planned Ignoring?

Planned ignoring is a behavior management technique where a caregiver systematically stops providing attention (e.g., verbal interaction, eye contact, physical touch) to a child exhibiting inappropriate behavior. This removal of attention is contingent on the undesirable behavior; meaning it only happens when the unwanted behavior occurs. If the child stops the behavior, the attention is reinstated. The goal is to reduce the occurrence of the problematic behavior by showing the child that it doesn't lead to the desired reinforcement—namely, attention.

Key Characteristics of Planned Ignoring:

• Contingent: Attention is removed only when the specific target behavior is displayed. This is not a blanket ignoring of the child.
• Systematic: The process is planned and consistent. It's not an ad hoc decision based on the caregiver's mood or momentary frustration.
• Temporary: Planned ignoring is a short-term strategy, used to decrease the frequency of specific behaviors. It's not a long-term solution for all behavioral challenges.
• Focused: The technique targets specific, clearly defined behaviors. Vague or generalized ignoring is ineffective.
• Reinforcement-based: The underlying principle is that attention acts as a reinforcer for the unwanted behavior. By removing it, the behavior becomes less likely to occur.

Contingent Removal of Attention: The Heart of Planned Ignoring

The contingent nature of attention removal is paramount. This means that the caregiver actively monitors the child's behavior and only withholds attention when the specific target behavior is displayed. This precise timing is crucial for the effectiveness of planned ignoring.

Example: Imagine a child constantly calling out for attention in class. Planned ignoring would involve the teacher completely ignoring the child's calls only when the child is calling out. If the child is behaving appropriately, the teacher interacts normally. The removal of attention is specifically contingent on the calling out behavior.

Why Contingent Removal Works:

The effectiveness of contingent removal stems from the principles of operant conditioning. Behaviors that are reinforced (rewarded) tend to increase in frequency, while behaviors that are not reinforced tend to decrease. In the case of planned ignoring, attention serves as a reinforcer for many undesirable behaviors. By removing that reinforcement, the behavior is less likely to be repeated.

When Planned Ignoring is Effective:

Planned ignoring is most effective for behaviors maintained by attention. These are behaviors that a child performs primarily to get a reaction, either positive or negative, from others. Examples include:

• Attention-seeking behaviors: Whining, calling out, tantrums, excessive talking, acting out for attention.
• Mild disruptive behaviors: Minor disruptions in class, fidgeting (if not significantly disruptive).

Planned ignoring is not effective for:

• Behaviors maintained by other reinforcers: If a child's behavior is driven by access to preferred items, sensory stimulation, or escape from a task, planned ignoring is unlikely to be successful. Different strategies are needed to address these behaviors.
• Dangerous behaviors: Planned ignoring should never be used for self-injurious behaviors, aggression towards others, or other dangerous actions. These behaviors require immediate intervention.
• Children with developmental delays or disabilities: The effectiveness and appropriateness of planned ignoring vary greatly depending on the individual child's developmental level and needs. Careful consideration and professional guidance are essential.

Implementing Planned Ignoring Effectively:

Effective implementation of planned ignoring requires careful planning and consistency:

1. Clearly Define the Target Behavior: Specify the exact behavior to be ignored. Be precise and observable. Avoid vague descriptions like "bad behavior."

2. Choose the Right Setting: Planned ignoring works best in environments where you have consistent control and minimal distractions.

3. Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial. If you give in even occasionally, you're reinforcing the behavior and undermining the entire strategy.

4. Remain Calm and Neutral: Avoid eye contact, verbal responses, or other forms of attention. Your reaction should be devoid of emotion.

5. Monitor for Changes in Behavior: Carefully observe the child's behavior to see if the frequency of the target behavior decreases.

6. Be Prepared for an Initial Increase: Sometimes, the frequency of the target behavior may briefly increase before it decreases. This is a common occurrence and doesn't necessarily indicate failure. Maintain consistency.

7. Use with Other Strategies: Planned ignoring is often most effective when combined with other positive behavioral interventions, such as positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors.

8. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're struggling to implement planned ignoring effectively or if the child's behavior is severe or concerning, consult with a behavioral specialist or therapist.

Differentiating Planned Ignoring from Neglect:

It is crucial to differentiate planned ignoring from neglect. Neglect is the failure to provide basic needs, care, and supervision. Planned ignoring, on the other hand, is a specific behavioral strategy used in conjunction with adequate care and supervision. It is a temporary technique employed to address specific, attention-seeking behaviors. The key difference lies in the contingent nature of the attention removal and the overall context of care provided. Neglect is a chronic absence of care, while planned ignoring is a strategic and temporary intervention within a supportive environment.

Ethical Considerations:

The ethical use of planned ignoring is paramount. It should never be used as a form of punishment or to express anger or frustration. It's important to ensure that the child's basic needs are being met, and that the strategy is implemented consistently and fairly. Always consider the child's developmental level and emotional needs. Consult with professionals if you have any concerns about the appropriateness or ethical implications of using planned ignoring.

Planned Ignoring and Alternative Strategies:

While planned ignoring can be effective for certain behaviors, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some children, other behavioral strategies may be more appropriate or effective. These may include:

• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviors increases their likelihood of recurrence.
• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA): This process helps identify the function of the behavior, which informs the selection of the most effective intervention.
• Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing alternative behaviors while ignoring the problem behavior.
• Token Economy Systems: A system where good behaviors are rewarded with tokens that can be exchanged for prizes or privileges.
• Social Skills Training: Teaching children appropriate social skills to reduce the need for attention-seeking behaviors.

Conclusion:

Planned ignoring, when implemented correctly and ethically, can be a valuable tool in managing certain attention-seeking behaviors. However, its effectiveness hinges on the contingent removal of attention and a comprehensive understanding of its limitations. Remember that it is a temporary strategy best used in conjunction with other positive behavior interventions and professional guidance. The focus should always be on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the child's overall development and well-being. Understanding the principles of contingent removal and its role within a broader behavioral management plan is key to its successful and responsible application.