Abstract
The relation between hair pulling and thumb sucking in a child with Cri du Chat syndrome was evaluated during the assessment and treatment of hair pulling. A functional analysis suggested that both behaviors were maintained by automatic reinforcement and possibly by attention. Treatment combining differential reinforcement (praise), response interruption, and access to toys decreased hair pulling. A corresponding decrease in thumb sucking was observed even though it was not directly treated. After an initial evaluation in a controlled setting, the treatment was extended to the participant’s classroom setting. A 1-year follow up revealed that hair pulling, but not thumb sucking, remained at near-zero frequency. Clinical and research-to-practice implications are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fourth edition-text revision. Washington, DC: Author.
Cornish, K. M., & Munir, F. (1996). Developmental and behavioral characteristics of Cri du Chat syndrome. Archives of Disorders in Childhood, 75, 448–450.
Fisher, W., Piazza, C. C., Bowman, L. G., Hagopian, L. P., Owens, J. C., & Slevin, I. (1992). A comparison of two approaches for identifying reinforcers for persons with severe and profound disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 491–498.
Friman, P. C. (2000). “Transitional objects” as establishing operations for thumb sucking: A case study. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 507–509.
Friman, P. C., & Hove, G. (1987). Apparent covariation between child habit disorders: Effects of successful treatment of thumb sucking on untargeted chronic hair pulling. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 20, 421–425.
Hanley, G. P., Iwata, B. A., & McCord, B. E. (2003). Functional analysis of problem behavior: A review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 147–185.
Iwata, B. A., Dorsey, M. F., Slifer, K. J., Bauman, K. E., & Richman, G. S. (1994). Toward a functional analysis of self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 197–209. (Reprinted from Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities, 2, 3–20, 1982).
Lindberg, J.S., Iwata, B.A. & Kahng, S. (1999). On the relation between object manipulation and stereotypic self-injurious behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 51–62.
Lindberg, J. S., Iwata, B. A., Kahng, S., & DeLeon, I. G. (1999). DRO contingencies: An analysis of variable-momentary schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 123–136.
Long, E. S., & Miltenberger, R. G. (1998). A review of behavioral and pharmacological treatments for habit disorders in individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 29, 143–156.
Niebuhr, E. (1978). Cri du Chat syndrome: Epidemiology, cytogenetics, and clinical features. Human Genetics, 44, 227–275.
Pace, G. M., Ivancic, M. T., Edwards, G. L., Iwata, B. A., & Page, T. J., (1985). Assessment of stimulus preference and reinforcer value with profoundly retarded individuals. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18, 249–255.
Piazza, C. C., Adelinis, J. D., Hanley, G. P., Goh, H. L., & Delia, M. D. (2000). An evaluation of the effects of matched stimuli on behaviors maintained by automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 13–27.
Rapp, J. T. (2007). Further evaluation of methods to identify matched stimulation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 73–88.
Rapp, J. T., Miltenberger, R. G., Galensky, T. L., Ellingson, S. A., & Long, E. S. (1999). A functional analysis of hair pulling. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 329–337.
Rapp, J. T., Vollmer, T. R., Dozier, C. L., St. Peter, C., & Cotnoir, N. (2004). Analysis of response reallocation in individuals with multiple forms of stereotyped behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 481–501.
Ringdahl, J. E., Vollmer, T. R., Marcus, B. A., & Roane, H. S. (1997). An analogue evaluation of environmental enrichment: The role of stimulus preference. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30, 203–216.
Smith, R. G., Iwata, B. A., Vollmer, T. R., & Zarcone, J. R. (1993). Experimental analysis and treatment of multiply controlled self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 183–196.
Watson, T. S., Dittmer, K. I., & Ray, K. P. (2000). Treating trichotillomania in a toddler: Variations of effective treatments. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 22, 29–40.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
We thank Aislinn Friary, Jodie McEnrue, Serra Langone, and Kristin Bono for their assistance.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vorndran, C.M., Pace, G.M., Luiselli, J.K. et al. Functional Analysis and Treatment of Chronic Hair Pulling in a Child with Cri du Chat Syndrome: Effects on Co-Occurring Thumb Sucking. Behav Analysis Practice 1, 10–15 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391715
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391715