The effect of differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI) on pica for cigarettes in persons with intellectual disability.

The effect of Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors (DRI) on pica for cigarettes in two intellectually disabled adults was studied using an A-B-A-B treatment design; in addition, the efficacy of using placebo pica stimuli (bread "cigarette butts") was evaluated. Both subjects received 10 15-minute sessions of baseline followed by 10 sessions of DRI, with a reversal to baseline and a repeat of the DRI treatment. Results support the efficacy of DRI with pica, as well as the use of placebo pica stimuli. Generalization was conducted with one of the subjects; results indicate that treatment effects were present when implemented by several ward personnel. The implications of the results for future research were discussed.