Date of Award
4-1981
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua
Second Advisor
Dr. Dale Brethower
Third Advisor
Dr. Paul Mountjoy
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
A nested multi-element within a multiple baseline design was used to evaluate potential controlling variables for the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of two severely retarded seventeen-year-old boys. Both subjects had extended histories of SIB which were somewhat unresponsive to prior behavioral programming. For each subject, four variables, attention, escape from a task, sensory stimulation, and mild punishment were evaluated. Results indicated that Subject 1's SIB was controlled by the response produced stimulation. A "package" intervention which included sensory attenuation and punishment procedures was evaluated with Subject 1 and shown to significantly suppress head hitting. A controlling variable was not identified for Subject 2's head hitting, however, contingent forced arm movements and contingent forced leg movements each caused a suppression of his SIB.
Recommended Citation
Schrum, Scott Nelson, "Self-Injurious Behavior: Evaluations of Controlling Variables and Interventions" (1981). Masters Theses. 1804.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1804