A comparison of techniques for the elimination of self-injurious behavior in a mildly retarded woman.

The self-injurious behavior of an institutionalized, highly social, highly verbal, midly retarded woman was successfully treated through the use of boxing glove restraints over a 30-week period after unsuccessful, less-intrusive means were attempted. Application of the restrain was conditioned to be an (S-delta), contrasted with an expanding Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior (DRI) during periods of restraint removal. Absence of self-injury was maintained at 18 month follow-up by which time she had been discharged to a community placement.