Environmental influences on self-stimulatory behavior.

Effects of passive environmental conditions (quiet, radio, and television) and manipulable objects (no toys, toys, toys plus staff interaction) on stereotypic behavior were evaluated. Four institutionalized, mentally retarded residents with high rates of stereotypic behavior were observed in a multipurpose room of their cottage. Results showed statistically significant lower levels of stereotypic behavior under the quiet and music conditions as compared to the television condition. There were no significant differences between the three manipulable-object conditions.