Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Stimulus-Stimulus Pairings to Increase Vocalizations in Children with Language Delays: 2015-2024

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Stimulus-Stimulus Pairings to Increase Vocalizations in Children with Language Delays: 2015-2024
Language: English
Authors: Juliana S. C. D. Oliveira (ORCID 0000-0002-0235-4625), Rebecca J. Barall, Mariola Moeyaert, Shariq U. Khan, M. Alice Shillingsburg
Source: Analysis of Verbal Behavior. 2025 41(2):151-178.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 28
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Children, Delayed Speech, Verbal Stimuli, Verbal Communication, Verbal Operant Conditioning, Meta Analysis, Outcomes of Treatment
DOI: 10.1007/s40616-025-00219-9
ISSN: 0889-9401
2196-8926
Abstract: The research literature has revealed mixed outcomes on stimulus-stimulus pairing (SSP) as a potential procedure to promote vocalizations. In this procedure, the experimenter's specific vocalizations are paired with the delivery of conditioned or unconditioned stimuli and it has been used to increase vocalizations in individuals with language delays. Some studies demonstrate an increase in participants' vocalizations, while other studies demonstrate a partial or zero increase in participant's vocalizations. The current study extends the systematic literature review conducted by Shillingsburg et al. "Analysis of Verbal Behavior," 31, 215-235, (2015). We included 12 experimental studies, including published peer-reviewed studies, theses, and dissertations, from 2015 and 2024 that investigated SSP to increase vocalizations in participants with language delays. The studies were analyzed according to participants' characteristics and specific features of the SSP procedures. A multilevel meta-analysis was conducted for a portion of the studies reviewed to calculate the effect sizes across cases and studies. Overall, we found a significant effect of the SSP procedure on increased rates of vocalizations of individuals with language delays. Directions for future research are discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1500137
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The research literature has revealed mixed outcomes on stimulus-stimulus pairing (SSP) as a potential procedure to promote vocalizations. In this procedure, the experimenter's specific vocalizations are paired with the delivery of conditioned or unconditioned stimuli and it has been used to increase vocalizations in individuals with language delays. Some studies demonstrate an increase in participants' vocalizations, while other studies demonstrate a partial or zero increase in participant's vocalizations. The current study extends the systematic literature review conducted by Shillingsburg et al. "Analysis of Verbal Behavior," 31, 215-235, (2015). We included 12 experimental studies, including published peer-reviewed studies, theses, and dissertations, from 2015 and 2024 that investigated SSP to increase vocalizations in participants with language delays. The studies were analyzed according to participants' characteristics and specific features of the SSP procedures. A multilevel meta-analysis was conducted for a portion of the studies reviewed to calculate the effect sizes across cases and studies. Overall, we found a significant effect of the SSP procedure on increased rates of vocalizations of individuals with language delays. Directions for future research are discussed.
ISSN:0889-9401
2196-8926
DOI:10.1007/s40616-025-00219-9