Katherine V. Powers, Henry S. Roane, & Michael E. Kelley (2007).
Treatment of self-restraint associated with the application of protective equipment.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
40, 577-581.
The current investigation assessed the effectiveness of protective equipment,
specifically arm splints, in reducing the occurrence of severe self-injurious
behavior (SIB). Although the protective equipment reduced rates of SIB to
near-zero levels, self-restraint subsequently emerged. In an attempt to reduce
self-restraint while maintaining reductions in SIB, we provided noncontingent
access to preferred stimuli. The presentation of preferred stimuli along with the
use of protective equipment reduced both the rate of SIB and the duration of
self-restraint.
DESCRIPTORS: protective equipment, self-injurious behavior, self-restraint