Prevalence, phenomenology, aetiology and predictors of challenging behaviour in Smith‐Magenis syndrome
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence, phenomenology aetiology and correlates of four forms of challenging behaviour in 32 children and adults with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) were investigated. METHODS: Cognitive assessments, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on intellectual disability, verbal and physical aggression, destructive behaviour and self-injury and on characteristics known to be associated with aggression. RESULTS: Aggression in SMS was more prevalent (87%), but not more severe than aggression in contrast groups. Aggressive behaviour was more frequently associated with environmental contingencies (e.g. attention, escape and access to tangibles) than self-injury and destructive behaviours. Severity of challenging behaviours was associated with high impulsivity. CONCLUSION: Aggression is seen in the majority of people with SMS. Results suggest that behavioural disinhibition and operant social reinforcement are associated with the manifestation of aggression.
Authors: J. Sloneem, C. Oliver, O. Udwin, K. A. Woodcock
Institutions: University of Birmingham, West London Mental Health NHS Trust
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2113229111