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Transfer of behavioral function as a contributing factor in treatment relapse
D C Lerman1, B A Iwata, R G Smith
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Relapse in problem behavior may stem from changing environmental factors, not just inconsistent treatment. Reassessing the function of self-injurious behavior (SIB) is crucial for effective relapse prevention.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Relapse following problem behavior treatment is often attributed to inconsistent maintenance program implementation.
- An alternative, less common explanation for relapse is a change in the behavior's maintaining contingency over time.
Observation:
- Four individuals with recurrent self-injurious behavior (SIB) underwent reevaluation.
- These individuals had previously received successful treatment for SIB.
- Recurrence of SIB occurred 2 months to 2 years post-treatment.
Findings:
- A second functional analysis was conducted for each individual.
- For one subject, SIB function remained unchanged.
- For three subjects, SIB acquired new or additional functions, indicating a shift in maintaining contingencies.
Implications:
- Factors beyond program inconsistency can cause relapse.
- Clinical reevaluation should include current functional analysis to identify new treatment needs.
- This highlights the dynamic nature of behavior and the necessity for adaptive treatment strategies.