A Review of Experimental Research on Self-injurious Behavior for Students with Disabilities

Self-injurious behavior(SIB) in students with disabilities is a severe behavioral disorder that has significant social and medical consequences. The purpose of this study was to review the research literature of SIB for students with disabilities and to provide information and suggestions on reducing SIB for future research and practices at schools. A systematic search of the literature from 1996 to 2013 revealed 17 experimental studies published in major special education journals within South Korea. This study analyzed the 17 selected studies in terms of 8 analytical variables: participants, research settings, experimental design, target skills, training program and strategies, results(ie. effects), effects size, qualitative indicators. The findings of the study were as follows: most of the participants were elementary school students of children with ASD. They had severe or profound disabilities. Most of the interventions used applied behavior analysis and positive behavioral supports. Intervention, maintenance and generalization revealed large effects(M PND > 90%). The findings of this study were described in detail on the 8 analytical variables. These findings provide implications for future research and practice to reduce SIB in students with disabilities.