REPETITIVE STEREOTYPED BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Factors that determine whether repetitive stereotyped [human] behaviors occur in the behavior repertoire were examined. The analysis pits an intrinsic oscillator mechanism against a self-stimulation theory and chooses to emphasize the latter. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of stereotypy was accounted for by suggesting that repetition in a rhythmic way is the most efficient way of self-stimulation. Rhythm may be a reinforcement in at least some cases. The question of whether control of stimulation by the person is a necessary condition for maintaining stereotypy was raised. The possibility that stereotyped behaviors may have their origin in the common repetitive behaviors of infancy but emphasizes the pathological stereotypy may involve more than immature repetition was recognized. There is reason to believe that early intervention to prevent pathological stereotyped behavior might be effective but not much is known about how stereotypies get started.