Assessing the functions of self-injurious behavior: a case of assessment failure.
Seven attempts to assess the function of self-injurious behavior in a person with profound mental retardation are described. Although repeated correlational and experimental methods were implemented to determine the functional role of this behavior no clear functions were identified. A clinical implication of this case and that this methodology is not all-embracing. Different assumptions should be explored after substantial efforts have failed.
Sturmey
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Department of Psychology, San Antonio State School, Abilene, TX 78214.
D000328:Adult; D001348:Aversive Therapy; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control; D004924:Escape Reaction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009042:Motivation; D010552:Personality Assessment; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment