Functional analysis of challenging behaviour in dementia: the role of superstition.
BACKGROUND
Intervention for challenging behaviour of residents living in care homes is a neglected area of research. Pharmacological methods of management are widespread, although support for their efficacy is, on the whole, poor.


OBJECTIVE
There is little research on non-pharmacological methods of management and the present study aimed to add to the small literature in this area, by examining the meaning of behaviour for a given resident, within a functional analytic experimental framework.


METHODS
The study involved a systematic manipulation of specific trigger situations to evaluate their influence on challenging behaviour, using a single case experimental design.


RESULTS
Five residents with agitated and aggressive behaviour were successfully managed. The difficulties in engaging staff in the use of non-pharmacological, rather than pharmacological, methods and the scope for future randomised trials using psychological and environmental interventions to manage challenging behaviour, are discussed.
Moniz-Cook
E
E
Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Hull, Hull HU3 2SG, UK. e.d.moniz-cook@medschool.hull.ac.uk
Woods
R T
RT
Richards
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000374:Aggression; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation; D013483:Superstitions / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome