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Validation of the Pethna toy through changes in collateral behaviours
Journal of Mental Deficiency Research
|October 1, 1991
Summary
The Pethna toy, designed for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, reduced negative behaviors like stereotypies and increased smiling. This sensory toy showed positive collateral behavioral changes in two studies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities often exhibit challenging collateral behaviors.
- Sensory-based interventions can be effective in modifying behavior in this population.
- The Pethna toy was developed to provide contingent sensory consequences for interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the Pethna toy in altering collateral behaviors.
- To assess the impact of sensory consequences on individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities.
- To explore the relationship between toy use and behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Two experimental studies were conducted to assess the Pethna toy's effects.
- Changes in multiple collateral behaviors were systematically monitored.
- Data collection focused on behaviors such as 'turn away', stereotyped actions, and smiling.
Main Results:
- Experiment I showed statistically significant reductions in 'turn away' and stereotyped behaviors.
- Experiment I also documented a significant increase in smiling behaviors.
- Experiment II observed idiosyncratic but consistent decreases in 'turn away' behavior across participants.
Conclusions:
- The Pethna toy appears effective in reducing specific negative collateral behaviors.
- Sensory consequences delivered by the Pethna toy can positively influence behavior.
- Further research is warranted to understand the nuances of response-consequence relationships in this context.