Functional assessment of problem behaviors in adults with mental retardation

Theodosia R. Paclawskyj, Patricia F. Kurtz, Julia T. O'Connor

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functional assessment has significantly improved the success of behavioral treatment of problem behaviors in adults with mental retardation. Functional assessment methods (i.e., techniques that yield a hypothesis of functional relationships) include direct observation, interviews, and checklists. Functional analysis consists of empirical methods that demonstrate behavioral function in controlled settings. Each method has advantages and limitations that reflect differences in both available resources and individual client characteristics. These methods and issues are reviewed, and future directions for both the research field and the adult population are suggested.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)649-667
Number of pages19
JournalBehavior Modification
Volume28
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2004

Keywords

  • Functional analysis
  • Functional assessment
  • Matadaptive behavior
  • Mental retardation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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