Crying Introduction
Crying is communication
Reasons: Diaper, food, physical contact, boredom, hot/cold, gas, colic
Age 50th Percentile 95th Percentile
0-3 months 2 hours 6 hours
3-12 months 1 hour 3 hours
Behaviorist Principles
Differential Reinforcement (or Differential Responsiveness)
Systematic Ignoring
Self-soothingStill respond to major needs
Ignore minor fussing
Reduces crying frequency
Difficulties
Goal: Eliminate fussing
Post-extinction response burstFussing increases temporarily
Frustrating for parent and child
Storm before the calm
Post-Extinction Response Burst
Time
Un
des
ired
Beh
avio
r (f
uss
ing
)
Context: When to Use This
3 months: Ineffective
8 months: Effective
Works with kids, parents, siblings, teachers, boyfriends, girlfriends
Eliminate any behavior people use to get attention
Discussion
Michael Hoerger
To cite this lecture:
Hoerger, M. (2007, January 24). Crying Babies. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.