Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Lauren Moskowitz

Second Advisor

Imad Zaheer

Third Advisor

Maria Mello

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of video-modeling with feedback on the development of courtship behaviors in an autistic individual. A concurrent multiple baseline across behaviors design was used to examine the impact of this intervention on three target behaviors: asking someone on a date, responding to acceptance, and handling rejection. The intervention consisted of showing the participant video models in which volunteers demonstrated the three target courtship behaviors. Following three, four, and five baseline observations for each target behavior, corresponding video models were introduced for each of the behaviors. Following the viewing of video models, the participant role-played the skill with a confederate while being video-recorded. The participant was shown this video- recording of herself and provided with feedback including praise and suggestions for improvement. The participant then completed another role-play for the behavior which was recorded and scored by research assistants. Outcome measures included percent of steps correctly performed on task analyses of the target behaviors as well as ratings of skill appropriateness. Two weeks following the discontinuation of the intervention phase, a generalization probe with a new confederate was conducted. Results demonstrated substantial improvement in the percentage of steps completed on the task analyses and appropriateness ratings following the introduction of the intervention for all three target behaviors as well as during the generalization probe. Finally, the administration of a pre- and post-intervention Social Validity Questionnaire revealed that the participant gained confidence in her ability to use these targeted courtship behaviors in real life. Strengths, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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