Functional Analysis and Treatment of Problem Behavior Evoked by Noise

Abstract

We conducted a four-part investigation to develop methods for assessing and treating problem behavior evoked by noise. In Phase 1, 7 participants with developmental disabilities who were described as being hypersensitive to specific noises were exposed to a series of noises under controlled conditions. Results for 2 of the participants verified that noise was apparently an aversive event. In Phase 2, results of functional analyses indicated that these 2 participants' problem behaviors were maintained by escape from noise. In Phase 3, preference assessments were conducted to identify reinforcers that might be used during treatment. Finally, in Phase 4, the 2 participants' problem behaviors were successfully treated with extinction, stimulus fading, and a differential-reinforcementof-other-behavior (DRO) contingency (only 1 participant required DRO). Treatment effects for both participants generalized to their home environments and were maintained during a follow-up assessment. Procedures and results were discussed in terms of their relevance to the systematic assessment of noise as an establishing operation (EO) and, more generally, to the identification of idiosyncratic EO influences on behavior.

Analysis and Treatment of Problem Behavior Evoked by Music

“…In addition, this study differs from previous research (McCord et al, 2001) by using negative reinforcement to reduce problem behavior evoked by auditory stimulation. This is particularly important when arbitrarily imposed reinforcers do not compete with existing negative reinforcement contingencies.…”

“…O 'Reilly, Lacey, and Lancioni (2000) found that background noise was associated with increases in problem behavior in a child with Williams syndrome. Similarly, McCord, Iwata, Galensky, Ellingson, and Thomson (2001) found idiosyncratic influences of auditory stimulation among participants that served as establishing operations (EOs) for problem behavior.…”

“…McCord et al (2001) used differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) with an arbitrary reinforcer (potato chip) as part of a multicomponent procedure to decrease escape-maintained self-injury during exposure to ascending decibel levels of auditory stimulation. Although this strategy was successful, there may be situations in which arbitrarily selected reinforcers will not compete with the maintaining negative reinforcement contingencies and thus require the use of these contingencies (i.e., escape) to effectively reduce problem behavior.…”

The analysis and treatment of problem behavior evoked by auditory stimulation

“…Similarly, McCord, Iwata, Galensky, Ellingson, and Thomson (2001) provided a method for the evaluation of the aversive properties of noise resulting in problem behavior, and treatment procedures for such behaviors. McCord et al (2001) found idiosyncratic influences of auditory stimulation, among two participants, that served as establishing operations (EOs) for problem behavior.…”

“…McCord et al (2001) found idiosyncratic influences of auditory stimulation, among two participants, that served as establishing operations (EOs) for problem behavior. Differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) was implemented, with an arbitrary reinforcer (potato chip) as part of a multi-component procedure, to decrease escape-maintained self-injury during exposure to ascending decibel levels of auditory stimulation.…”