Relax and try this instead: Abbreviated habit reversal for maladaptive self-biting.

Jones, K. M., Swearer, S. M., & Friman, P. C. (1997). Relax and try this instead: Abbreviated habit reversal for maladaptive self-biting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 697-699.

We evaluated the effectiveness of an abbreviated habit reversal procedure to reduce maladaptive oral self-biting in an adolescent boy in residential care. Treatment involved a combination of relaxation and two competing responses. Results of a withdrawal design and two posttreatment medical evaluations indicated that the intervention eliminated the biting and the tissue damage it caused.

DESCRIPTORS: habit disorders, habit reversal, anxiety, self-biting, behavioral assessment