Inadvertent Reinforcement in Oral Myofunctional Therapy

The possibility of inadvertent reinforcement of undesirable behaviors during oral myofunctional therapy is examined. It is suggested that inappropriate use of therapist attention is often responsible for such reinforcement and it is concluded that: I) attention may function as a positive reinforcer for any behavior upon which it is contingent, 2) attention may serve as a reinforcer regardless of the intent of therapists' verbal statements which accompany it, and 3) therapist attention affects group behavior and patterns of peer reinforcement.