A functional analysis of crying

Crying has yet to be examined systematically in isolation from other problem behavior, such as aggression or tantrums, during functional analyses (Hanley, Iwata, & McCord, 2003). Identification of variables that may maintain crying is especially important for populations who are susceptible to psychiatric interventions (e.g., individuals who have intellectual disabilities and communication deficits). The current study extended functional analysis methodology to crying with an adolescent boy who had been diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. Results suggested that crying was maintained by caregiver attention delivered in a sympathetic manner.