THE IMPACT OF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY ON OUTPATIENT CLINIC SERVICES

The impact of the article by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman (1982) on research in severe behavior disorders has been impressive. Equally impressive, however, but not as fully recognized, has been the impact of this methodology on the routine professional activities of those who employ functional analysis methods in their daily work. As one example of this impact, we describe the evolution of assessment procedures based on “brief functional analysis” methodology in our outpatient clinics. Less apparent have been the collateral effects that occur from using these procedures. Interactions with clients and colleagues have changed in ways that result in increased positive reinforcement. In this article, we briefly discuss the positive impact functional analysis has had on one specific work behavior—outpatient clinic assessment—and describe some of the generalized effects we have experienced in related aspects of our daily professional activities.     

Trauma exposure and life satisfaction among at-risk black South African adolescents

This study aimed to construct a model to explain trauma exposure and life satisfaction among black South African school learners. A random sample of 366 black adolescents selected from ten South African schools participated (females = 63.2%; rural = 24.2%; mean age = 13.9 years). The school learners were surveyed on trauma exposure, resources, coping and resilience, and life satisfaction. A structural equation modelling analysis indicated that interpersonal, intrapersonal and affective strengths, coping skills, family involvement, and school functioning were associated with increased resilience, which in turn predicted life satisfaction. Interventions aimed at increasing resilience in contexts characterised by high levels of trauma exposure should prioritise helping adolescents access both internal and external resources, such as coping skills and family involvement respectively.     

Strange bedfellows? Reflections on bioethics' role in disaster response planning

This essay considers the potential role of bioethics in disaster response planning and preparedness. Bioethicists can make substantial contributions, by ensuring that decision-making and distribution of resources during crises is carried out in a fair and just manner, as well as by examining the assumptions upon which disaster planning are based. Bioethicists should also be aware of potential pitfalls of overly-hasty engagement with this new field.     

A structural account of phonological paraphasias

The aim of this study is to develop a partial theory of phonological paraphasias which has some cross-syndrome and cross-linguistic validity. It is based on the distinction between content and structural units and emphasizes the role of the latter. The notion of structure holds the key to an understanding of the differences among the following three types of data: slips of the tongue, slips of the pen (defined as errors committed by healthy, competent adults), and paraphasias. A comparison of these three data types reveals that slips of the pen and paraphasias display striking similarities whereas slips of the tongue stand apart. This pattern emerges very clearly in an analysis of nine empirical effects all of which are found to be of a structural nature. On the basis of these results, it is argued that both the written output of normals and the oral output of aphasics are generated under a reduced structural representation (i.e., weak activation of structural nodes). However, the reasons for the diminished sensitivity to structure are not the same in the two modalities. While the impoverished structural representation is a likely consequence of the relatively slow production rate in writing, it may stem from an impaired transmission of activation among structural nodes in aphasia. By contrast, the normal speaking process occurs under the sway of a full-fledged structural representation. Hence, slips of the tongue are highly sensitive to structural effects.     

Media exposure, mood, and body image dissatisfaction: an experimental test of person versus product priming

In the current study, 138 college females were randomly assigned to four media exposure conditions based on the presence or absence of an attractive person (fashion model) and the presence or absence of an appearance-related product. Outcome measures consisted of visual analogue ratings of multiple body image and mood variables. The results revealed a significant main effect for person, indicating that the presence of a model increased levels of body dissatisfaction and negative mood. No product effect emerged and there was no significant interaction between person and product. These findings suggest that the appearance priming effect of media exposure on body dissatisfaction and mood is specific to a person stimulus, with no additional effect promoted by a generic appearance-relevant stimulus.     

The effects of noncontingent reinforcement on task disengagement following failure of differential reinforcement treatment

Following the failure of applications of differential reinforcement (DR), the effects of reinforcement delivered noncontingently (NCR) on task disengagement and task completion were evaluated within reversal designs for three children with autism spectrum disorder. In Experiment 1, we compared DR and NCR schedules that combined positive and negative reinforcement. In Experiment 2, we replicated the results of Experiment 1 and then evaluated NCR schedules composed solely of negative reinforcement and NCR schedules that combined negative reinforcement with high-or low-preferred stimuli. In Experiment 3, we further analyzed NCR schedules that included different types and qualities of positive reinforcement, but without the inclusion of negative reinforcement. The results showed that NCR schedules using positive reinforcers can be effective as a treatment for task disengagement, but the type and preference of the reinforcer can alter effectiveness. These results are interpreted in terms of the motivating operations associated with task disengagement.     

A Rorschach analysis: parallel disturbance in thought and in self/object representation

The relationship between thought process disturbance and the structure of internal object relations was investigated by comparing Rorschach Special Scorings and content variables that reflected developmental levels of object relations. Selected Special Scorings from the Comprehensive System (Exner, 1990) and composite (WSum6) scores were correlated with Urist's (1977) Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (MOA) on the Rorschach protocols of 35 borderlines, 15 schizophrenics, and 19 narcissists. Correlations between composite scores of severe thought process disturbance and severe imbalance in internalized object representations were highly significant, p < .0001. The hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between disturbance in internalized self/object differentiation and thought process disturbance was supported. Implications of this study are discussed as they relate to empirical validation of theoretical constructs concerning ego function deficit and self/object disturbance.     

EVALUATION OF THE GENERALIZED EFFECTS OF A PEER-TRAINING PROCEDURE WITH MODERATELY RETARDED ADOLESCENTS

The use of peer-training procedures by moderately mentally retarded adolescents was evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 2 students received instruction on peer-training skills to teach a vocational task to 7 classmates. Following instruction, both peer trainers were successful in teaching their classmates to perform the target task and a second untrained (generalization) task. In Experiment 2, 1 peer trainer taught 3 peers to use picture prompts to complete one or two complex vocational tasks. Following instruction by the peer trainer, the trainees independently used novel pictures on novel tasks. The results of both experiments indicate that peer training with moderately handicapped students can be an effective instructional procedure, with generalization occurring for both the trainers (Experiment 1) and the trainees (Experiment 2).     

The adolescent with myelomeningocele: a review of parent experiences and expectations

Until recently, persons born with spina bifida rarely lived to adulthood, and the severity of their physical and medical problems has been the source of litigation (e.g., Baby Jane Doe). This study questioned the parents of 39 adolescent survivors about their child's past medical history and psychosocial needs. While all of these adolescents had extensive histories of neurological and/or urological surgeries, most were mainstreamed into regular classroom settings. Three-fourths of the parents rated their adolescent as happy and outgoing. Less than 10% noted a predominant angry or depressed mood. The majority of adolescents had three or more close friends. About 10% stated that their child had problems with alcohol or drugs. Parents evaluated the support they had received on the medical and physical aspect of their child's illness as greater than that on psychosocial issues (e.g., sexuality, vocational needs). The desire for more assistance was expressed in these psychosocial areas (45% for sexuality and 68% for vocational needs) and in teenage issues (57%).