Managing Difficult and Disruptive Behaviour in Residential Settings: The Use of Room Management

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Abstract
The use of room management techniques to increase the levels of engagement of people with a mental handicap has been well documented. The difficulties in using constructional approaches (as opposed to eliminative procedures) to deal with difficult and disruptive behaviour in residential settings has also been well documented. This study reviews the relevant literature and describes in detail the application of a room management technique in a women's hospital villa. The six residents who took part are described as severely mentally handicapped, difficult and disruptive. During the room management sessions the levels of engagement in purposeful activity of the women increased and the problem behaviour exhibited decreased. Both changes were statistically significant. The implications of these findings for the general management of people who exhibit difficult and disruptive behaviour are discussed.