Experimental analysis and extinction of self-injurious escape behavior

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Developmental Disabilities
• Applied Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a significant concern in individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Understanding the environmental factors that maintain SIB is crucial for effective treatment.
• Systematic assessment of environmental correlates can inform treatment development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically examine environmental factors maintaining self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with developmental disabilities.
• To use these findings to develop and evaluate effective treatments for SIB.
• To assess the generalization of treatment effects across different settings and personnel.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted using multielement and multiple baseline designs.
• Study 1 assessed environmental correlates (attention, escape, alone, play) of SIB.
• Studies 2 and 3 implemented "escape extinction" and reinforcement-based treatments for SIB.

Main Results:

• Self-injurious behavior (SIB) was primarily maintained by escape from demands in Study 1.
• Escape extinction significantly reduced or eliminated SIB and increased compliance in Study 2.
• A combined treatment of extinction and reinforcement successfully eliminated SIB and generalized across therapists and settings in Study 3.

Conclusions:

• Environmental assessment is a vital precursor to effective treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB).
• Escape extinction and reinforcement-based interventions are effective in reducing SIB in individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Treatment effects can generalize across different personnel and settings, highlighting the robustness of the interventions.