Behavior Analysis in Practice: The Effects of a DRO and Self-Monitoring Program on Prisoners in an Italian Prison
Behavior analysis has long been used to improve behaviors in schools, workplaces, and mental health settings. But what about in prisons? A recent study in Behavior Analysis in Practice examined how Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) and self-monitoring could reduce problem behaviors among prisoners in an Italian prison.
This blog post explores the study’s design, findings, and implications for behavior analysts working in correctional settings.
Why Use Behavior Analysis in Prisons?
Prisons often struggle with issues such as:
- High rates of aggression and self-injury among inmates
- Poor relationships between prisoners and staff
- Limited access to evidence-based interventions
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides a structured, data-driven approach to behavior modification. Previous studies have shown that reinforcement-based strategies can be effective in institutional settings. However, most research has focused on U.S. prisons, leaving a gap in international applications.
The study by Pascale et al. (2024) aimed to fill this gap by testing ABA-based interventions in an Italian prison.
Study Overview: Using DRO and Self-Monitoring
Goals of the Study
The researchers wanted to:
- Reduce problematic behaviors like aggression, property destruction, and self-injury.
- Improve inmates’ relationships with staff and other prisoners.
- Test the effectiveness of ABA interventions in a non-U.S. prison setting.
Participants and Setting
- Conducted in a maximum-security Italian prison
- Included five male prisoners
- Participants had a history of severe problem behaviors
The Interventions
The study used two primary interventions:
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Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO)
- Prisoners received tokens (blue smiley face stickers) when they refrained from problem behaviors for a set time.
- Tokens could be exchanged for pastries, extra phone calls, and social gatherings.
-
Self-Monitoring
- Prisoners tracked their own behavior using checklists.
- This helped them become more aware of their actions and patterns.
The prison staff played a crucial role in collecting data and maintaining the reinforcement schedules.
How the Study Was Conducted
Measurement of Behavior
The researchers tracked:
- Frequency of self-injury (e.g., head-banging, cutting)
- Episodes of aggression (e.g., hitting, verbal threats)
- Incidents of property destruction (e.g., breaking furniture, vandalism)
Research Design
A Multiple Baseline Design was used across participants. This means:
- Each participant started at a baseline phase, where no intervention was applied.
- The intervention was introduced one person at a time, allowing researchers to compare changes.
- Observers measured behavior with 100% agreement, ensuring data accuracy.
Results: Does DRO and Self-Monitoring Work?
Key Findings
- Problem behaviors dropped significantly once the intervention started.
- Across all five participants, reductions in aggression, self-injury, and property destruction were consistent.
- Behavior improvements remained stable even after the intervention ended.
In essence, the combination of DRO and self-monitoring worked well to decrease problem behaviors.
Social Validity: How Did Inmates Feel About It?
Social validity refers to whether the participants liked the intervention and thought it was useful. The study measured this by asking the prisoners about their experiences.
- Participants reported feeling happier.
- They described improved relationships with staff and peers.
- They wanted the intervention to continue.
This suggests that reinforcement-based strategies can have positive emotional and social effects in prisons.
Implications for Behavior Analysts
This study highlights important takeaways for behavior analysts interested in correctional settings:
- ABA can be effective in reducing problem behaviors in prisons.
- DRO with self-monitoring is a practical, low-cost intervention.
- Prison staff can successfully implement ABA strategies with proper training.
For professionals working in criminal justice and corrections, these findings provide a compelling case for using reinforcement-based interventions. Implementing ABA techniques can lead to a safer, more positive environment for both prisoners and staff.
Final Thoughts
The study by Pascale et al. (2024) adds valuable evidence to the effectiveness of behavior analysis in prisons. By reducing aggression and self-injury through DRO and self-monitoring, this research contributes to a growing body of literature supporting ABA in correctional settings.
Want to read the full study? Access it here: 10.1007/s40617-025-01045-0
Behavior analysts play a crucial role in improving institutional settings. Would you consider using these interventions in your work? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
