The use of overcorrection to suppress self-injurious behaviour

This paper reviews the application of overcorrection (OC) to management of self-injurious behaviour (SIB). A total of 32 studies are reviewed producing 47 discrete experiments. The literature supported the short-term efficacy of the procedure for the majority of subjects. However, findings on maintenance were less encouraging. Over 70% of experiments reporting durable response suppression continued a full OC regime. For the most part, the research considered did not yield clear indications on strategies that would enhance maintained suppression of responding. Generalization was subject to minimal investigation despite recognition of its importance in the management of SIB. Research comparing OC and other behavioural interventions is limited and difficult to interpret at this stage. Reservations regarding the use of OC include the intrusive and restrictive nature of the technique and limited data on maintenance, generalization and relative efficacy of OC and other behavioural interventions. These issues require further investigation.