Self-injurious behavior and environmental change in the institutionalized elderly.

Résumé

Taking into account the quality of the environment on self-injurious behavior in the institutionalized elderly, this study showed a decrease in such behavior in a token economy program involving reinforcing or rewarding individuals with tokens for engaging in desirable behaviors. This system of reinforcing or rewarding life-enhancing behavior proved to be rehabilitative to a significant number of elderly Ss. (19 ref.) (PsycLIT Database Copyright 1974 American Psychological Assn, all rights reserved) AUTO-MUTILATION INSTITUTION AÎNÉ ENVIRONNEMENT