Behavioral interventions for rumination and operant vomiting in individuals with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

We conducted a systematic analysis of studies that involved the treatment of rumination and operant vomiting in individuals with developmental disabilities. A total of 21 studies involving a combined 32 participants were identified and analyzed in terms of (a) participant characteristics, (b) dependent variables, (c) intervention procedures, (d) functional assessment procedures and results, (e) intervention outcomes, and (f) certainty of evidence. In comparison to previous reviews on rumination and operant vomiting, this review identified fewer studies involving punishment-based interventions and an increase in function-based reinforcement interventions. Preliminary guidelines for practitioners faced with assessing and treating these behaviors are offered and directions for future research are discussed.

► We analyzed 21 studies involving behavioral interventions for rumination and operant vomiting.
► A decrease in the use of punishment interventions was found.
► An increase in the use of function-based interventions was found.
► Food satiation interventions were the most common and effective.
► Guidelines for practitioners are offered.
► Directions for future research are suggested.