Using behavioral economics to prevent relapse of problem behavior
Official title: Using Behavioral Economics to Mitigate Relapse of Problem Behavior in an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Population
Run by Oakland University · NCT06651606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help caregivers prevent problem behaviors from coming back in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, comparing it to the usual methods they use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oakland University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Auburn, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 10, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06651606 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are boys and girls aged 6 to 21 who engage in problem behavior and have a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria, such as those outside the specified age range or without a relevant diagnosis, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare a novel approach using Progressive Ratio Training (PRT) against the standard care method for mitigating problem behavior relapse. The study focuses on two types of reinstatement: response-dependent and response-independent, assessing how effectively PRT can reduce these compared to traditional methods. By employing a translational-treatment model, the trial seeks to understand the effectiveness of this innovative tactic in real-world settings, particularly when implemented by caregivers. The goal is to enhance the sustainability of behavioral treatments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the recurrence of problem behaviors in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: While behavioral treatments have shown success in controlled settings, this specific approach using behavioral economics to mitigate reinstatement is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Boys and girls from ages 6 to 21 * Engage in problem behavior * Diagnosis of some type of intellectual and developmental disability Exclusion Criteria: * Not meeting the inclusion criteria
Where it's running
-
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama, United States Recruiting -
Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael P Kranak, PhD — Oakland University
- Study coordinator: Michael P Kranak, PhD
- Email: kranak@oakland.edu
- Phone: 248-370-4251
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Invest in Play: a parent program to reduce problem behavior in school‑age children
This program will test whether the Invest in Play (iiP) parent program can reduce problem behavior in children aged 6–12 and improve parenting practices by comparing families who take the program with a control group.
-
Assessing and intervening on problem behaviors in young children with developmental delays
This study is testing a new way to help young children with developmental delays and their families reduce problem behaviors by using specific assessments and interventions.
-
Assessment and treatment model for challenging behavior in children
This study is testing a new guide to help kids aged 3 to 17 with challenging behaviors, like aggression and self-injury, to see if it can improve their treatment and support.
-
Evaluating the effects of extinction bursts in children with problem behaviors
This study tests how different ways of rewarding kids aged 3 to 17 with problem behaviors can help reduce the increase in bad behavior that sometimes happens when treatment starts.
-
Evaluating a new approach to reduce problem behaviors in children
This study is testing a new way to help children aged 3 to 17 with serious problem behaviors, like aggression and self-injury, by alternating between sessions where they get what they want and sessions where they don’t, to see if it helps reduce those behaviors.
-
Effects of stimulant medication on disruptive behavior in children with ADHD
This study tests how stimulant medication affects disruptive behavior, preferences, and impulse control in children and teens with ADHD.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.