contingency management
Also written as: CM
Behavioral intervention using tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors like abstinence or treatment adherence.
Full Definition
Contingency management is an evidence-based behavioral treatment approach that provides tangible rewards (vouchers, prizes, or privileges) to patients who demonstrate target behaviors such as abstinence from substance use or adherence to treatment protocols. The intervention is based on operant conditioning principles and has strong research support, particularly for stimulant use disorders. Rewards are typically provided immediately following verified positive behavior, and the value of incentives often increases with consecutive achievements.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective; distinguish from 'case management' which refers to care coordination.
In Context
- "The contingency management program provided vouchers worth up to $1,200 for verified cocaine abstinence." — clinical trial protocol
- "Research demonstrates that contingency management significantly improves treatment retention rates." — systematic review