Commentary on rewards and adolescent health behavior

Responds to a study by A. K. Lund and S. S. Kegeles on the use of rewards to influence the health behavior of adolescents. It is noted that the study neglected to include any measures of the dependent variable (i.e., dental caries, cavities). It is also suggested that perhaps the particular items used for motivation (e.g., toys, pencils) were not uniformly valued by the participants. A question is raised about the effectiveness of using a fluoride rinse with adolescents.