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Stimulus control and resistance to extinction in attention-maintained SIB
G P Hanley1, C C Piazza, W W Fisher
1Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with severe mental retardation is often maintained by social attention. This study found that the mere presence of a person, independent of attention, significantly influenced SIB rates.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a significant concern in individuals with severe mental retardation.
- Understanding the maintaining variables of SIB is crucial for effective intervention.
Observation:
- Functional analysis revealed SIB was sensitive to social attention.
- SIB rates were lower but consistent when a person was present, decreasing when alone.
- SIB persisted during attention-based sessions and declined in isolation.
Findings:
- The presence of another person, irrespective of programmed consequences, differentially affected SIB rates.
- SIB was highly resistant to extinction, maintaining even when attention was withdrawn in a person's presence.
- Treatment focused on differential attention and removing the person's presence contingent on SIB.
Implications:
- Stimulus control is critical in interpreting functional analysis data and designing interventions.
- Interventions should consider the impact of social presence on behavior.
- Effective treatment for SIB requires careful consideration of environmental variables.