A systematic review of risk for the development and persistence of self-injurious behavior in intellectual and developmental disabilities. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimian, Adele F.; Symons, Frank J.
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology review. Volume 94(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Self-injurious behavior -- Longitudinal studies -- Prospective cohort -- Intellectual/developmental disabilities; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology, Clinical -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7358

Abstract

Abstract: Self-injurious behavior (SIB) by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism (I/DD) is among the most clinically disturbing, socially costly, and scientifically challenging behavior disorders. Forty years of clinical research has produced a knowledge base supporting idiographic behavioral assessment and treatment approaches. Despite the treatment progress, from a public health and population perspective, we argue it is less clear that we have reduced the disorder's burden. The developmental course of the disorder is mostly unknown and empirically informed population-level models of risk are absent. In this review, we systematically examined the published scientific literature specific to risk for SIB in the I/DD population. We reviewed study methodology in detail intentionally informed by an epidemiological perspective with a set of questions intended to test the quality of the inferences about risk. Results are discussed in terms of conceptual, methodological, and translational issues with respect to what needs to be done to create credible and useful clinical models for SIB risk in the I/DD population. Highlights: Self-injurious behavior is prevalent and persistent among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is difficult to identify the common risk factors due to the disparate measures and methodology utilized. Epidemiological credible approaches are needed to identify the causal risk factors for self-injurious behavior.