Differential Effects of Severe Self-injurious Behaviour on the Behaviour of Others

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Abstract
Research into the operant determinants of self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in people with learning difficulties has largely concentrated on the reinforcing effects that the behaviour of others may exert on the occurrence of SIB. In this single case study, the effects of SIB of differential severity on the behaviour of others are considered. The results of continuous, direct natural observations show social contact to be more likely to follow long bursts of SIB than short bursts and to be presented intermittently during and following long bursts of SIB. The implications of this finding for the functional analysis of SIB and the long term maintenance and development of severe SIB are discussed and related to the establishing operations and contingencies which govern the behaviour of the participants in the interaction.

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