Behavioral momentum in the treatment of escape-motivated stereotypy

Descriptive and experimental analyses of stereotypy by a woman with severe mental retardation showed that the behavior was maintained by escape from demands. A sequence of high-probability requets issued immediately prior to a task-related request established a momentum of compliance that increased compliance with task-related demands. Increases in compliance werer accompanied by collateral reductions in stereotypic behavior. A mechanism of response covariation, called functional incompatibility, and an animal analogue study for testing the validity of this mechanism are proposed. DESCRIPTORS: behavioral momentum, functional analysis, basic research, stereotyped behavior, response covariation