ERIC Number: EJ1015881
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1944-7515
EISSN: N/A
Examining the Relationship between Heart Rate and Problem Behavior: A Case Study of Severe Skin Picking in Prader-Willi Syndrome
Hall, Scott S.; Hammond, Jennifer L.; Hustyi, Kristin M.
American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, v118 n6 p460-474 Nov 2013
Few studies have examined the relationship between heart rate and self-injurious behavior (SIB) shown by individuals with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities). In this single-case study, we simultaneously monitored heart rate and activity levels during a functional analysis of severe skin picking behavior exhibited by a young man with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Results of the functional analysis indicated that the participant's skin picking was maintained by automatic reinforcement. A within-session analysis of the data indicated that skin picking bouts resulted in an increase in heart rate, suggesting a positive- automatic reinforcement function. These data indicate that inclusion of heart rate and activity-level monitoring during a functional analysis may provide important additional information concerning the determinants of SIB.
Descriptors: Genetic Disorders, Mental Retardation, Metabolism, Self Destructive Behavior, Males, Case Studies, Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Reinforcement
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. P.O. Box 1897, Lawrence, KS 66044-1897. Tel: 785-843-1235; Fax: 785-843-1274; e-mail: AJMR@allenpress.com; Web site: http://aaidd.allenpress.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A