Instruction in Functional Assessment, 2014a

Instruction in Functional Assessment Chapter 6
The Case of the Delusional Statements
From Travis, R., & Sturmey, P. (2010). Functional analysis and treatment of the delusional
statements of a man with multiple disabilities: A four-year follow-up. Journal of
Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 745-749.
Client Description and Background: “Mr. Jones, a 26-year-old man who lived in an
inpatient forensic facility who engaged in delusional statements that negatively affected his
relationships with peers. His peers teased him daily, both in residence and workplace, and
these statements prevented him from participating in several community-based vocational
activities” (Travis & Sturmey, 2010, p. 745-746). Following an injury, Mr. Jones was diagnosed
with traumatic brain injury for which he received Geodon and Depakote daily. His
communications did not include any delusional statements prior to his car accident that
occurred when he was 16 years old.
Based on staff and family interviews, delusional statements were defined as utterances,
separated from the previous one by 3 s, that were had no relationship to what was currently
happening or being discussed (e.g., “Elton John and I are going for coffee”).
Procedure: Functional analysis was conducted using a multielement research design
with the following conditions which were 12 min in duration.
Attention condition: Immediately after a delusional statement by Mr. Jones, the therapist
said, “That’s not an appropriate topic right now” or something similarly corrective is
said for 10 s.
Demand condition: A vocational task presented that involved sorting similar items,
counting them, and placing them in plastic bags. When Mr. Jones engaged in a delusional
statement then 10 s of escape from demands was provided. Correct responses, prompted
or unprompted, to demands resulted in delivery of praise.
Alone condition: “Mr. Jones was alone in the observation room with no planned reinforcement
for delusional statements” (Travis & Sturmey, 2010, p. 746).
Control condition: “...the therapist gave Mr. Jones access to favored reading materials,
noncontingent attention every 30 s and no consequences for nondelusional or delusional
statements” (Travis & Sturmey, 2010, p. 746).
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