THE USE OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT IN THE TREATMENT OF SELF‐INJURY AND AS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Abstract

The effects of a treatment package was studied on the self-injurious behavior of 3 profoundly retarded persons who appeared to enjoy the physical restraints [PR] used to prevent their self-injury. The treatment package included physically restraining subjects contingent on increasing periods of time during which no self-injury occurred, and providing them with toys and attention during intervals between PR. A reversal and multiple-baseline analysis documented that the rapid and complete reduction in self-injury by all subjects was due to this treatment package. Since PR might function as a positive reinforcer, PR was then applied contingent on a marble placement response with 1 subject. A reversal design demonstrated that toy play systematically increased when each response resulted in restraint. The nonaversive remediation of self-injury in individuals who are restrained was indicated, and the development and maintenance of self-injury in natural settings was discussed.