Functional analysis and treatment of eye poking

Author(s): Souza, G.

Journal/Book: J Appl Behav Anal. 1995; 28: Dept Human Development, Univ Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045. Journal Appl Behav Anal. 27-37.

Abstract: In four studies we analyzed the eye poking of a youth with profound disabilities. In Study 1, a functional analysis showed that eye poking occurred during the no-attention condition, but not during demand, attention, or recreation conditions. The analysis did not identify socially mediated variables involved in the maintenance of eye poking; rather, eye poking may have been maintained by consequences produced directly by the response. In Study 2 we had the student wear goggles to prevent potential reinforcement from finger-eye contact. The results of Study 2 indicated that eye-poking attempts were reduced when the student wore goggles. We then tested in Study 3 the effects of two alternative topographies of stimulation. Study 3 demonstrated that eye poking was reduced when a video game was provided as a competing source of visual stimulation, and chat music was less effective in reducing eye poking. In Study 4, a contingency analysis using the video game was conducted in an attempt to (a) reduce che frequency of eye poking and (b) study whether the video game functioned as a reinforcer. The results of Study 4 demonstrated substantive reductions in che frequency of eye poking, and suggested that the video game served as a reinforcer.

Note: Article CH Kennedy, Univ Hawaii, Coll Educ, 1776 Univ Ave, Honolulu, HI 96822 USA

Keyword(s): self-injury; functional analysis; maintaining variables; private events; students with severe disabilities; SELF-INJURY; BEHAVIOR; EXTINCTION;. Acoustic Stimulation; Adolescence ; Eye Injuries prevention and control; Eye Protective Devices; Mental Retardation psychology; Mental Retardation rehabilitation; Photic Stimulation; Play and Playthings; Reinforcement Schedule; Self Injurious Behavior prevention and control. Attention ; Eye Injuries psychology; Self Injurious Behavior psychology; Social Environment. Case Report; Human; Male

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