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Self-injurious behaviour in Rett Syndrome: interactions between features of Rett Syndrome and operant conditioning

Oliver, Chris, Murphy, Glynis H., Crayton, Lissa, Corbett, John (1993) Self-injurious behaviour in Rett Syndrome: interactions between features of Rett Syndrome and operant conditioning. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 23 (1). pp. 91-109. ISSN 0162-3257. E-ISSN 1573-3432. (doi:10.1007/BF01066421) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:32130)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01066421

Abstract

Operant and biological theories of the cause of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in people with a mental handicap are often viewed as mutually exclusive. In this single case study, interactions between features of Rett syndrome and operant conditioning as determinants of SIB are examined. Functional analysis by analog methodology indicated different functions for two forms of SIB shown by the subject: automatic reinforcement by sensory stimulation and escape from social interactions. It is suggested that features of Rett syndrome established conditions under which operant conditioning of self-injurious responding was maximized. The implications of this interaction between features of syndromes and operant conditioning for the conceptualization of the cause of SIB are discussed and it is proposed that the notion of a unitary cause of SIB is inappropriate. It is more productive to consider operant conditioning as the process that maintains responding against a background of predisposing and mediating factors which may be biologically determined.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/BF01066421
Uncontrolled keywords: LESCH-NYHAN DISEASE; DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR; MUTILATION; EXTINCTION; POPULATION; PEOPLE; PAIN
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Jo Ruffels
Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2012 14:40 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:09 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/32130 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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