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Implications of sensory stimulation in self-destructive behavior
American Journal of Mental Deficiency
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Self-destructive behaviors in individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities may stem from self-stimulation, potentially reinforced by caretaker attention. Damaging skin lowers the sensory threshold, increasing tactile stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Self-destructive behaviors are observed in autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities.
- Existing theories include self-stimulatory and social reinforcement models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the self-stimulatory and social theories of self-destructive behavior.
- To propose an extension of the self-stimulatory theory.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical examination of self-stimulatory and social theories.
- Proposal of a mechanism for sensory acquisition through skin damage.
Main Results:
- Self-destructive behavior may provide sensory stimulation by lowering the tactile sensory threshold.
- Behavior may transition from self-stimulation to operantly reinforced behavior due to caretaker concern.
Conclusions:
- The self-stimulatory theory offers a plausible explanation for self-destructive behaviors.
- Caretaker reinforcement can influence the maintenance of these behaviors.