Applying the evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics to model the subtypes of automatically reinforced self-injurious behavior.

Abstract

The delineation of the subtypes of automatically reinforced self-injurious behavior improved the utility of functional analysis results in predicting treatment efficacy. However, the mechanisms underlying subtype differences remain unclear and difficult to study in clinical populations. Morris and McDowell(2021) attempted to elucidate subtype differences by developing and evaluating models of the subtypes within the evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics. In the current study, we applied techniques from precision medicine to further evaluate the models developed by Morris and McDowell. This evaluation highlighted shortcomings of the existing models and suggested ways they could be improved. Thus, we conducted more extended modeling within the framework of precision medicine to identify models that were more quantitatively similar to available clinical data. Improved models that more closely approximate clinical data were identified. The implications of these models for research, practice, and further applications of the evolutionary theory of behavior dynamics are discussed.