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Functional analysis of challenging behaviour in dementia: the role of superstition
E Moniz-Cook1, R T Woods, K Richards
1Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Hull, Hull HU3 2SG, UK. e.d.moniz-cook@medschool.hull.ac.uk
Background:
Intervention for challenging behaviour of residents living in care homes is a neglected area of research. Pharmacological methods of management are widespread, although support for their efficacy is, on the whole, poor.
Aims:
There is little research on non-pharmacological methods of management and the present study aimed to add to the small literature in this area, by examining the meaning of behaviour for a given resident, within a functional analytic experimental framework.
Methods:
The study involved a systematic manipulation of specific trigger situations to evaluate their influence on challenging behaviour, using a single case experimental design.
Results:
Five residents with agitated and aggressive behaviour were successfully managed. The difficulties in engaging staff in the use of non-pharmacological, rather than pharmacological, methods and the scope for future randomised trials using psychological and environmental interventions to manage challenging behaviour, are discussed.