Direct and generalized effects of food satiation in reducing rumination.

The effects of food satiation on rumination and a collateral self-stimulatory behavior were examined in three profoundly retarded individuals. For all three individuals, the provision of unlimited quantities of cereal and milk during mealtime resulted in reductions in rumination. Decreases were also seen in collateral behaviors for all three subjects, although these responses were not specifically treated. Rumination and self-stimulation increased during a withdrawal condition for the three individuals, with experimental control being regained once the satiation procedure was re-instituted. Fading of the satiation procedure also was successful in the two participants with whom it was attempted, although the specific strategy differed for the two subjects.