Quantitative analysis of treatment of aggression, self-injury, and property destruction.
Most 1980s aggression/SIB studies lacked functional analysis and generalization probes—demand both before you use any procedure.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Wynne et al. (1988) read every 1980s paper that tried to stop aggression, self-injury, or property destruction in people with intellectual disability.
They counted how many studies ran a real functional analysis and how many checked if the fix lasted outside the clinic.
What they found
Most papers skipped the functional analysis. They went straight to punishment or time-out without knowing why the behavior happened.
Few teams tested if the gains held in new places or with new staff.
How this fits with other research
Matson et al. (1994) did the same count six years later and saw the same gaps, so the field did not improve.
Bottema-Beutel et al. (2024) and Bottema‐Beutel et al. (2025) repeated the audit on autistic youth and found the same missing pieces: no clear definitions, no function, no side-effect checks.
Robinson et al. (2011) picked up the baton and showed how to fix it: use single-case designs and track side effects when meds are added.
Why it matters
If a paper skips the functional analysis, you cannot trust the fix. Demand a clear “why” and a generalization probe before you copy any procedure. Start there on Monday.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
This article describes the results of a quantitative analysis of research on the treatment of aggression, self-injury, and property destruction with persons who are developmentally disabled. Fifteen evaluative criteria, including use of functional analysis of behavior, assessment of generalization, maintenance, and change in collateral behaviors, were used in examining 62 experiments. Results indicate significant limitations in methodological rigor and use of "state-of-the-art" behavioral procedures. Conclusions regarding effective treatment are generally consistent with earlier reviews. Discussion focuses on the need for improvements in the design and evaluation of interventions, further research on reinforcement-based interventions, effects of punishment, and treatment of aggression displayed by adults.
Behavior modification, 1988 · doi:10.1177/01454455880124006