Behavioral Analysis of Aging: A Review of the Operant Model and Research

Abstract

Over the last decade, research has shown the plasticity and modifiability of aging behaviors heretofore considered irreversible. The last years produced theoretical review papers summarizing empirical findings of this new breed of intervention research in aging. Two major streams of intervention research appear to have evolved: (1) cognitive intervention research which is largely based on the life-span model of development (for review see Baltes and Willis 1977; Barton et al. 1975; Labouvie-Vief 1976) and (2) behavioral intervention research based on the operant learning model (for review see Baltes and Baltes 1977; Baltes and Barton 1977; Hoyer 1973, 1974). In the present paper, these latter research findings and intervention programs will be summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, recent research developments within the operant model will be outlined, the findings of which seem to promise enhancement of the effectiveness of long-range intervention programs with the elderly. It should be noted here that much of the cognitive intervention research with the elderly has often used an operant paradigm but will not be considered here. Furthermore, many intervention studies are implemented in an implicitly operant mode, but are not explicitly conducted within the operant framework. These studies will not be considered here since it would make this review a voluminous one.