McCord, B. E., Thomson, R. J., & Iwata, B. A. (2001).
Functional analysis and treatment of self- injury associated with transitions.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
34, 195-210.
We applied functional analysis methodology to the assessment and
treatment of 2 individuals' self-injurious behavior (SIB), which
was reported to be occasioned by transitions from one activity or
location to another. A structural (task) analysis of activity
transitions identified at least three separate components that
might influence behavior either alone or in combination: (a)
termination of a prechange activity, (b) initiation of a
postchange activity, and (c) movement from one location to
another. Results of preference and avoidance assessments were
used to identify activities to which participants were exposed in
varying arrangements during transitions in a functional analysis.
Results of 1 participant's functional analysis indicated that his
SIB was maintained by avoidance of having to change locations,
regardless of the activity terminated prior to the change or the
activity initiated following it. The 2nd participant's analysis
revealed the same function but also an additional one: avoidance
of certain task initiations. This information was used to
identify transition contexts during intervention and to design
treatment procedures appropriate for a given context and
behavioral function. A procedure involving advance notice of an
upcoming transition had no effect on SIB, and differential
reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) had limited effects
in the absence of extinction. Sustained decreases in SIB were
observed when DRA was combined with extinction and response
blocking. Further extensions of functional analysis methodology
to the assessment of problem behavior in situations characterized
by multiple or protracted stimulus changes are discussed.
DESCRIPTORS: _activity transitions, advance notification,
avoidance assessment, differential reinforcement, extinction,
functional analysis, preference assessment, response blocking,
self- injurious behavior