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Exploring the Clinical Utility of a Stimulus Avoidance Assessment to Enhance a Relaxation Training Model

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Abstract

The current case study explored the clinical utility of a stimulus avoidance assessment during relaxation training with an adult with an autism spectrum disorder. A multiple stimulus without replacement procedure was implemented with aversive events to identify an aversive situation hierarchy. Aversive events were then systematically presented during the analogue phase of relaxation training across low, medium, and highly aversive events. Results support a clinical utility of using stimulus assessments to inform relaxation training, while suggesting further modifications to relaxation training protocols for generalization of skills.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, 3550 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Alyssa N. Wilson, Erin M. Kasson & Olivia Gratz

  2. AWS/Benchmark Human Services, St. Louis, MO, USA

    John M. Guercio

Authors
  1. Alyssa N. Wilson
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  2. Erin M. Kasson
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  3. Olivia Gratz
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  4. John M. Guercio
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alyssa N. Wilson.

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Implications for Practice

• Replication of previous research involving relaxation training to decrease aggression in populations with Autism

• Development and systematic implementation of an objective aversive hierarchy through the use of MSWO assessment procedures

• Training protocol to promote client self-regulation of precursory target states and responses

• Highlights the clinical utility of using stimulus avoidance assessments to inform practice

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Wilson, A.N., Kasson, E.M., Gratz, O. et al. Exploring the Clinical Utility of a Stimulus Avoidance Assessment to Enhance a Relaxation Training Model. Behav Analysis Practice 8, 57–61 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-014-0035-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-014-0035-y

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