On the relationship between self-injurious behavior and self-restraint.
Many individuals who exhibit self-injurious behavior (SIB) also exhibit self-restraint. Three hypotheses about the determinants of self-restraint have been suggested: (a) Self-restraint is maintained by escape from or avoidance of aversive aspects of SIB, (b) self-restraint and SIB are members of the same functional class, and (c) self-restraint and SIB are functionally independent. This study examined a method by which the relationship between self-restraint and SIB may be investigated using functional analysis. Data were collected on the self-restraint and SIB exhibited by 5 mentally retarded males, while conditions suspected to maintain SIB were manipulated. Results suggested that self-restraint, like SIB, may be maintained by idiosyncratic contingencies. Implications of an understanding of self-restraint for the analysis and treatment of SIB are discussed, as are some general possibilities for future research.
Smith
R G
RG
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
Iwata
B A
BA
Vollmer
T R
TR
Pace
G M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012056:Reinforcement, Social; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000523:psychology*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment