Related Experiment Videos
Functional analysis of self-injurious behavior and its relation to self-restraint
Griffin W Rooker1, Eileen M Roscoe
1The New England Center for Children and Northeastern University, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|February 9, 2006
Summary
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) can be reinforced by escape and access to self-restraint materials. Providing continuous access to preferred restraint items effectively suppressed SIB in this study.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a complex behavior with various maintaining variables.
- Some individuals exhibiting SIB also engage in self-restraint behaviors.
- Understanding the function of SIB and self-restraint is crucial for effective intervention.
Observation:
- A functional analysis was employed to investigate the variables maintaining SIB and self-restraint.
- Three conditions were assessed: no restraint items, noncontingent access to a preferred restraint item (airplane pillow), and contingent delivery of the restraint item upon SIB.
- The participant's behavior was systematically observed across these conditions.
Findings:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) was reinforced by escape from demands and access to self-restraint materials.
- Self-restraint behavior appeared to be maintained by automatic reinforcement.
- Continuous, noncontingent access to a highly preferred restraint material effectively suppressed SIB.
Implications:
- Interventions for SIB should consider the potential reinforcing effects of self-restraint materials.
- Environmental modifications, such as providing continuous access to preferred restraint items, may be an effective strategy for reducing SIB.
- Further research is needed to explore the interplay between SIB and self-restraint across different populations and settings.