The Good Behavior Game (GBG)

Initiative Description: The Good Behavior Game (GBG), a program delivered to special education children by their teachers, consisted of specified time periods where teachers focused on three specific behaviors for a set period of time to ensure students achieved the reward. The GBG consisted of 3 phases: 1) the GBG was implemented 3 times a week for about 5 to 10 minutes, 2) the duration of the GBG was expanded and was implemented in settings other than during instruction time. Rewards were delayed until the end of week 3) Playtime increased up to 180 minutes a week, and rewards became more group-oriented. While the intervention did not result in a decrease in emotional and behavioral problems, it was successful in preventing them from increasing.

Study Results: Reduced disruptive behavior.

Reference: Breeman, L. D., van Lier, P. A. C., Wubbels, T., Verhulst, F. C., van der Ende, J., Maras, A., . . .Tick, N. T. (2016). Effects of the good behavior game on the behavioral, emotional, and social problems of children with psychiatric disorders in special education settings. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 18(3), 156-167.

Level of Evidence: Very Good