The definition, taxonomy, epidemiology, and ecology of self-injurious behavior

Abstract

The paper is a theoretical analysis of the evolution of the concepts related primarily to the definition and to the antecedents of self-injurious behavior (SIB). It was found that the definition of SIB as currently used contains surplus meanings unrelated to its scientific utility. At present, a restricted definition of SIB is not warranted because its basic parameters have not been studied adequately. Analysis of SIB taxonomies suggests two subclasses of SIB: social and nonsocial. Epidemiological studies of SIB suggest chronic and acute subsamples that differ in organicity, chronicity, and length of institutionalization. Ecological analysis suggests that a variety of antecedent conditions affect rates and topographies of SIB, e.g., ambient environmental conditions, background settings, situational demands, self-restraint, and type of daily routine activity. Implications were drawn for the organization of therapeutic environments, the study of covariation among collateral topographies, the dynamics of SIB responding, and sequential dependencies among SIB and related topographies.

Why Do People Injure Themselves?

“…According to Schroeder et al [15] , 7-17% of all children aged between 7/8 months and 5 years show SIB as an idle motion. This is seen as a normal part of development as long as the injuries are not serious.…”

Behavior disorder teams: An efficient institutional strategy

“…Twenty percent of their sample was found to exhibit some form of behavioral prob-lem. In addition, this survey and others have found the intensity, severity, and prevalence of these problems to increase as the level of mental retardation increases (Groden et al, 1982;Jacobson, 1982;Reid, Ballinger, Heather, & Melvin, 1984;Schroeder, Mulick, & Rojahn, 1980). In examining the daily behavior records of 67 profoundly retarded males, Cleland, McGavern, and Case (1976) found the average number of disruptive behaviors noted per resident over a 4-day period was five.…”

Combination of extinction and protective measures in the treatment of severely self‐injurious behavior

“…While the origins of SIB are still not very well known (Iwata & Lerman, 1997;Schroeder, Mulick, & Rojahn, 1980), SIB has resulted in various degrees of immediate physical injuries and medical complications including permanent tissue damage, bone fractures, dismemberments, and, in severe instances, death. SIB is also one of the most prevalent maladaptive behaviors among individuals diagnosed as severely retarded, autistic, schizophrenic, or emotionally disturbed (Baumeister & Rollings, 1976;Maisto, Baumeister, & Maisto, 1978;Schroeder, Schroeder, Smith, & Dalldork, 1978).…”