ANALYSIS OF ESTABLISHING OPERATIONS FOR SELF-INJURY MAINTAINED BY ESCAPE

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) can be maintained through negative reinf orcement when, in the context of training or task requirements, it pro duces escape as a consequence. Several studies have demonstrated metho ds for identifying and treating SIB maintained by negative reinforceme nt; however, few analyses of the establishing operations associated wi th demand situations have been conducted. The current series of studie s illustrates a method for identifying some establishing operations fo r escape by systematically altering certain dimensions of che demand c oncert while maintaining an escape contingency for SIB. Dimensions ass essed in these studies included task novelty, duration of instructiona l sessions, and race of task presentation. Data indicate that these va riables can have establishing properties for behavior maintained by es cape. Implications of the results are discussed, as are potential refi nements and extensions of the assessment procedures.