Related Experiment Videos
Behavioural effects of long-term multi-sensory stimulation
N T Martin1, E A Gaffan, T Williams
1Department of Psychology, University of Reading, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|April 21, 1998
Summary
Multi-sensory environments (MSE) did not show significant benefits for challenging behaviors in adults with learning disabilities compared to standard environments. The positive effects observed were attributed to social interaction, not the sensory stimulation itself.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Special Education
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Individuals with learning disabilities often exhibit challenging behaviors.
- Multi-sensory environments (MSE) are proposed as a therapeutic intervention.
- The efficacy of MSE for challenging behaviors, particularly those with sensory components, requires rigorous investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of regular access to a multi-sensory environment (MSE) versus a non-complex sensory environment for individuals with learning disabilities.
- To determine if individuals whose challenging behavior is maintained by sensory consequences benefit most from MSE exposure.
Main Methods:
- A double crossover design was employed over 16-week periods with 27 adults with severe/profound learning disabilities.
- Conditions were matched for social contact and attention.
- Behavior was assessed using direct observation and standardized tools, including functional analysis.
Main Results:
- While some participants reported feeling calmer in the MSE, objective measures showed no significant difference in behavior outside the treatment setting between MSE and control conditions.
- Challenging behaviors maintained by sensory consequences did not respond better to MSE than to the control condition.
Conclusions:
- The observed benefits of MSE were not beyond those attributable to social interaction with the enabler.
- Anecdotal positive responses within the MSE were not substantiated by objective behavioral measures outside the environment.