Treatment of Encopresis by Overcorrection

Abstract

Positive practice, cleanliness training, and periodic inspections for dry pants with contingent positive reinforcement were successfully used to eliminate the encopresis of 3 children. With these children no other difficulties were reported or observed. Overcorrection procedures have been used to treat encopretic children who are either retarded or autistic. Past case reports of behavioral interventions with encopretic children were reviewed and compared with overcorrection which seems an effective, valid, and enduring method for the treatment of encopresis. In these case reports, the parents were utilized as mediators in the natural environment and these changes in toileting behavior were maintained for over a 6-mo. follow-up.