Pelios, L., Morren, J., Tesch, D., & Axelrod, S. (1999).
The impact of functional analysis methodology on treatment choice for self-injurious and aggressive behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
32, 185-195.
Self-injurious behavior (SIB) and aggression have been the
concern of researchers because of the serious impact these
behaviors have on individuals’ lives. Despite the plethora of
research on the treatment of SIB and aggressive behavior, the
reported findings have been inconsistent regarding the
effectiveness of reinforcement-based versus punishment-based
procedures. We conducted a literature review to determine whether
a trend could be detected in researchers’ selection of
reinforcement-based procedures versus punishment-based
procedures, particularly since the introduction of functional
analysis to behavioral assessment. The data are consistent with
predictions made in the past regarding the potential impact of
functional analysis methodology. Specifically, the findings
indicate that, once maintaining variables for problem behavior
are identified, experimenters tend to choose reinforcement-based
procedures rather than punishment-based procedures as treatment
for both SIB and aggressive behavior. Results indicated an
increased interest in studies on the treatment of SIB and
aggressive behavior, particularly since 1988.
DESCRIPTORS: retrospective analysis, functional analysis,
self-injurious behavior, aggression,