Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a behavior disorder that can range in severity from self-inflicted mild bruising and abrasions, to life-threatening tissue damage (Carr, 1977). The focus of this chapter is on SIB displayed by individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), including autism. Although SIB occurs in psychiatric patients (e.g., self-mutilation) and in some otherwise typically developing adolescents and adults (e.g., self-cutting), these variations of SIB are not the focus here. In addition, this chapter focuses on assessment rather than treatment. Finally, the specific focus is behavioral assessment rather than medical, biological, or psychiatric (diagnostic) assessment.
The numerous forms (topographies) of SIB described in clinical reports and scientific publications include self-hitting, head banging, self-biting, self-scratching, self-pinching, self-choking, eye gouging, hair pulling, and many others (Iwata et al., 1994b). Although there are clear genetic and biological correlates with the disorder (e.g., Lesch & Nyhan, 1964), the majority of SIB appears to be learned behavior. Not including tics and related behavior, most of human behavior can be compartmentalized as either operant or reflexive (and respondent) behavior. There is no empirical evidence that SIB occurs in a fashion similar to a tic or nervous twitch.
Keywords
- Problem Behavior
- Developmental Disability
- Behavioral Assessment
- Apply Behavior Analysis
- Response Product
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Vollmer, T.R., Sloman, K.N., Borrero, C.S.W. (2009). Behavioral Assessment of Self-Injury. In: Matson, J.L., Andrasik, F., Matson, M.L. (eds) Assessing Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09528-8_12
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