RESTRAINT FADING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE TREATMENT OF SELF-RESTRAINT AND SELF-INJURY

Restraint fading and differential reinforcement were used to reduce th e self-injurious behaviour (SIB) and self-restraint of a profoundly re tarded man. The variables maintaining both behaviours could not be ide ntified via pre-treatment functional analysis; however, self-restraint exerted at least some stimulus control over SIB. In Phase 1, the subj ect's topography of self-restraint (wrapping arms in shirt) was replac ed with another topography (wrapping wrists in towel) that could be mo re easily faded to a headband. However, the subject's restraints could not be completely faded, and any movement was accompanied by SIB; thu s, in Phase 2, a compliance training procedure was implemented to redu ce his SIB while increasing time out of restraint. In Phase 3, the sub ject was taught to mand for edibles during training sessions. Results indicated that restraint fading combined with the development of alter native behaviour could be an effective treatment procedure for those w ho engage in both self-restraint and SIB.