A Functional Analysis of Self Injurious Behaviour

Summary

Self Injurious Behaviour (SIB) refers to behaviour in which individuals attempt to self inflict physical damage to their tissues. It is a most disturbing behaviour to observe and one which is difficult to manage. This paper presents a functional analysis of the antecedents and consequences of the SIB of an intellectually retarded 17 year old male subject. The findings from a series of observations carried out are discussed in the light of three postulated theories of why individuals self injure. In conclusion recommendations are made as to the direction future research might take and also how staff working with the subject of this study might attempt to ameliorate his SIB.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Coman

Pamela Coman is an educational psychologist with the Balga District Office of Western Australia and Dr Stephen Houghton is a Lecturer in Educational Psychology at The University of Western Australia. Contact address for second author is: Dept of Education, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009. The Article was accepted for publication in November 1990.