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Early development of self-injurious behavior: an empirical study
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|April 26, 2001
Summary
Early self-injurious behavior (SIB) in children with developmental disabilities escalated with low social contact. This association may signal a risk for worsening SIB, informing early intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Childhood Disability Studies
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a concern in young children with developmental disabilities.
- Understanding the early development and risk factors for SIB is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the early development of SIB in school-age children with developmental disabilities.
- To investigate the association between early SIB and environmental factors over an 18-month period.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking 16 school-age children with recent-onset SIB over 18 months.
- Naturalistic classroom observations conducted quarterly.
- Analysis of the relationship between SIB and environmental events.
Main Results:
- Four children showed escalated SIB over the study period.
- Escalated SIB was significantly associated with low levels of social contact.
- This association supports existing models of SIB development.
Conclusions:
- Low social contact may serve as a risk marker for SIB exacerbation in children with developmental disabilities.
- Findings have implications for developing targeted early intervention programs for SIB.
- Further research can explore the mechanisms linking social contact and SIB development.