GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Resurgence refers to the reemergence of destructive behaviors after an intervention, particularly when an alternative response, learned during treatment, is exposed to worsening conditions. Identifying predictive variables for resurgence, such as impulsivity, is key to reducing its impact. Impulsivity involves choosing smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones. Understanding impulsivity’s role in resurgence may guide more effective interventions. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of a modified Progressive Interval Assessment (PIA) for measuring impulsivity in individuals with developmental disabilities exhibiting problem behaviors. Researchers assessed participants' sensitivity to varying rewards to develop the modified PIA, identifying the breakpoint at which individuals reverted to problem behavior after delays in receiving larger rewards. These breakpoints were examined for their predictive value for resurgence during Functional Communication Training (FCT), which teaches alternative communication responses. A second modified PIA assessed shifts in impulsivity following FCT, contributing to a better understanding of impulsivity as a behavioral marker for resurgence.