Functional analysis and treatment of self-injury associated with transitions

We applied functional analysis methodology to the assessment and treatment of 2 individuals' self-injurious behavior (SIB), which was reported to be o ccasioned by transitions from one activity or location to another. A struct ural (task) analysis of activity transitions identified at least three sepa rate components that might influence behavior either alone or in combinatio n: (a) termination of a prechange activity (b) initiation of a postchange a ctivity, and (c) movement from one location to another. Results of preferen ce and avoidance assessments were used to identify activities to which part icipants were exposed in varying arrangements during transitions in a funct ional analysis. Results of 1 participant's functional analysis indicated th at his SIE was maintained by avoidance of having to change locations, regar dless of the activity terminated prior to the change or the activity initia ted following it. The 2nd participant's analysis revealed the same function but also an additional one: avoidance of certain task initiations. This in formation was used to identify transition contexts during intervention and to design treatment procedures appropriate for a given context and behavior al function. A procedure involving advance notice of an upcoming transition had no effect on SIE, and differential reinforcement of alternative behavi or (DRA) had limited effects in the absence of extinction. Sustained decrea ses in SIE were observed when DRA was combined with extinction and response blocking. Further extensions of functional analysis methodology to the ass essment of problem behavior in situations characterized by multiple or prot racted stimulus changes are discussed.