Behavioural interventions for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI: A systematic review of the evidence

2007, Vol. 21, No. 8 , Pages 769-805 (doi:10.1080/02699050701482470)
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1College of Saint Rose, Albany, New YorkUSA
2University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Madison, USA
3University of Connecticut, Storrs, ConnecticutUSA
4University of Washington, Seattle, WashingtonUSA
5University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
6University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
Correspondence: Mark Ylvisaker, PhD, 1171 Van Antwerp Road, New York 12309, Schenectady, USA, 518-458-5356



Objective: To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI.

Design: Using a variety of search procedures, 65 studies were identified. This literature was reviewed using a set of questions about participants, interventions, outcomes and research methods.

Participants: The 65 studies included 172 experimental participants, including children and adults.

Interventions: A number of specific intervention procedures were used, falling into three general categories: traditional contingency management, positive behaviour interventions and supports and combined.

Results: All of the studies reported improvements in behavioural functioning.

Conclusions: Behavioural intervention, not otherwise specified, can be considered a treatment guideline for children and adults with behaviour disorders after TBI. Both traditional contingency management procedures and positive behaviour support procedures can be said to be evidence-based treatment options. However, a variety of methodological concerns block stronger conclusions.