E Moniz-Cook1, R T Woods, K Richards. 1. Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Hull, Hull HU3 2SG, UK. e.d.moniz-cook@medschool.hull.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intervention for challenging behaviour of residents living in care homes is a neglected area of research. Pharmacological methods of management are widespread, although support for their efficacy is, on the whole, poor. AIMS: There is little research on non-pharmacological methods of management and the present study aimed to add to the small literature in this area, by examining the meaning of behaviour for a given resident, within a functional analytic experimental framework. METHODS: The study involved a systematic manipulation of specific trigger situations to evaluate their influence on challenging behaviour, using a single case experimental design. RESULTS: Five residents with agitated and aggressive behaviour were successfully managed. The difficulties in engaging staff in the use of non-pharmacological, rather than pharmacological, methods and the scope for future randomised trials using psychological and environmental interventions to manage challenging behaviour, are discussed. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BACKGROUND: Intervention for challenging behaviour of residents living in care homes is a neglected area of research. Pharmacological methods of management are widespread, although support for their efficacy is, on the whole, poor. AIMS: There is little research on non-pharmacological methods of management and the present study aimed to add to the small literature in this area, by examining the meaning of behaviour for a given resident, within a functional analytic experimental framework. METHODS: The study involved a systematic manipulation of specific trigger situations to evaluate their influence on challenging behaviour, using a single case experimental design. RESULTS: Five residents with agitated and aggressive behaviour were successfully managed. The difficulties in engaging staff in the use of non-pharmacological, rather than pharmacological, methods and the scope for future randomised trials using psychological and environmental interventions to manage challenging behaviour, are discussed. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.