Artifactual effects of sensory-integrative therapy on self-injurious behavior.
Three individuals who exhibited self-injurious behavior (SIB) were exposed to sensory-integrative therapy. Prior to treatment, a functional analysis baseline was conducted to identify the motivational features of their SIB. One subject's SIB appeared to be an attention-getting response (maintained by positive reinforcement), which varied subsequently as a function of attention being either withheld or provided noncontingently during sensory-integration sessions. The 2nd subject displayed a pattern of responding suggestive of stereotypic SIB (maintained by automatic reinforcement), which paradoxically increased during sensory-integration sessions. The 3rd subject's SIB appeared to function as an escape response (maintained by negative reinforcement), and his behavior during sensory-integration sessions was similar to that observed during baseline sessions in which demands were not present. The SIB of all 3 subjects later was reduced when behavior interventions were applied. The data presented raise questions about the active components of sensory-integrative therapy and the functional types of SIB for which it might be appropriate.
Mason
S A
SA
Department of Special Education, University of Maryland, College Park 20742.
Iwata
B A
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal; D001288:Attention; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000628:therapy*; D012677:Sensation; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior