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A Sensory Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior

Author

Cris Thomas Clay, University of the Pacific

Date of Award

1986

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Graduate School

First Advisor

Cohen

First Committee Member

Beauchamp

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the role of sensory extinction and sensory reinforcement in the moti- vation of self-injurious behavior. The intervention was based on the assumption that each subject's SIB behavior was motivated by the sensory consequences of the behavior. A pre- assessment phase was used to select appropriate sensory ex- tinction devices and sensory reinforcing toys, although no appropriate sensory toys could be identified. Thus, treat- ment consisted solely of sensory extinction using a reversal design. Results showed that the sensory extinction devices reduced tactile stimulation of face slapping and pica for two developmentally disabled adults. Maintenance of treat- ment gains was programmed by fading the device both on the unit and in the experimental setting. This procedure was minimally successful in achieving long term reduction in SIB.

Pages

56

Recommended Citation

Clay, Cris Thomas. (1986). A Sensory Analysis of Self-Injurious Behavior. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2125