Dixon, M. R., Benedict, H., & Larson, T. (2001).
Functional analysis and treatment of inappropriate verbal behavior.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
34, 361-363.
The present study examined the possible function of inappropriate
verbal behavior of an adult man who had been diagnosed with both
mental retardation and psychosis. Results of a functional
analysis indicated that inappropriate verbal utterances were
maintained by attention. An intervention consisting of the
differential reinforcement of appropriate verbal behavior
effectively reduced the inappropriate behavior.
DESCRIPTORS: _developmental disabilities, dual diagnosis,
functional analysis, mental illness, verbal behavior