Toilet Training Methods

A rapid method for toilet training is a method some parents may choose in order to cut back on the amount of time it may take to toilet train their child. There are many books on the market that discuss this method, and some people may be skeptical and wish to know if this actually works or not. A study published in Behavioral Research and Therapy Journal constructed a rapid method procedure that was used to help decrease the amount of time it took to toilet train (Foxx & Azrin, 1973). In this study, there was a total of 34 children, 22 boys and 12 girls, with an age range of 20-36 months. It is important to also include that these children were already having problems toilet training prior to this research study. This research study followed a few …show more content…
Second, the children were given fluids to drink at regular intervals in order to increase the amount of times the children had to use the restroom. The children were given verbal directions as to what to do when they needed to use the restroom. They were also given dolls that the trainer used to show the steps they were just verbally told. The study also used reinforcement for skills that were done before, during, and after using the restroom. The trainers used treats and words of praise after the child did the appropriate action. The reinforces were given every time a skill was correctly done, and it was given right after the skill was completed. All of these skills were continually practiced, and the trainers gradually reduced the amount of times they reminded the children to use the restroom. When an accident took place, the child was not given a reinforcer, and were quickly reminded of the correct way to use the restroom. There were also dry pants checks where if the child had dry pants on they were given a reinforcer such as candy or a hug. As time continued, the amount of times a child was reinforced for using the correct skills before, during, and after using the restroom and for having dry