Multiple versus single maintaining factors of challenging behaviours as assessed by the QABF for adults with intellectual disabilities.
BACKGROUND
The Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) correctly identifies maintaining variables of challenging behaviour. However, for adults who have a long history of challenging behaviours, identifying one clear function of the maladaptive behaviour is difficult. Additionally, the person may develop multiple functions of their maladaptive behaviour.


METHODS
Characteristics of single versus multiple maintaining factors were evaluated using the QABF for 88 adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). The reliability of single versus multiple maintaining factors for aggression and self-injurious behaviour was analysed. Multiple factors were analysed in terms of type of maintaining factors, and their order of importance by challenging behaviour was noted.


RESULTS
The majority of behaviours examined were maintained by multiple functions. Reliability was higher for behaviours with a single maintaining variable when compared to behaviours with multiple maintaining variables.


CONCLUSIONS
These data appear to have implications for aetiology, assessment, and treatment of challenging behaviours in individuals with ID.
Matson
Johnny L
JL
Louisiana State University, LA 70803, USA. JohnMatson@aol.com
Boisjoli
Jessica A
JA
D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001519:Behavior; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires