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TEACHING SAFETY SKILLS TO CHILDREN TO PREVENT GUN PLAY
Author(s) -
Himle Michael B.,
Miltenberger Raymond G.,
Flessner Christopher,
Gatheridge Brian
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1901/jaba.2004.37-1
Subject(s) - multiple baseline design , psychology , generalization , naturalistic observation , injury prevention , human factors and ergonomics , poison control , suicide prevention , occupational safety and health , medical education , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , medicine , medical emergency , intervention (counseling) , psychiatry , social psychology , mathematical analysis , mathematics , pathology
Research has shown that children often engage in gun play when they find a firearm and that this behavior is often involved in unintentional firearm injuries. Previous research has shown existing programs to be ineffective for teaching children safety skills to reduce gun play. This study examined the effectiveness of a behavioral skills training (BST) program supplemented with in situ training for teaching children safety skills to use when they find a gun (i.e., don't touch, leave the area, tell an adult). Eight 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children were trained and assessed in a naturalistic setting and in a generalized setting in a multiple baseline across subjects design. Results showed that 3 of the children performed the skills after receiving BST, whereas 5 of the children required supplemental in situ training. All children in the study learned to perform the skills when assessed in a naturalistic setting and when assessed in a generalization setting. Performance was maintained at 2‐ to 8‐week follow‐up assessments.