This study by Iwata et al. (1980) employs an operant methodology to assess the functional relationships between self-injury and specific environmental events in nine developmentally disabled subjects. The study observed self-injurious behaviors during brief, repeated exposure to various conditions, including play materials, experimenter demands, and social attention. Results showed significant between-subject and within-subject variability, with six out of nine subjects exhibiting consistent associations between higher levels of self-injury and specific stimulus conditions. These findings suggest that self-injury may be influenced by different sources of reinforcement, such as attention, sensory stimulation, or the termination of demands. The study discusses the implications for treatment selection, emphasizing the need to identify the specific reinforcing events associated with self-injury to develop more effective interventions. The authors also highlight the importance of environmental factors in maintaining self-injury and suggest that an enriched environment may reduce self-injury. The study concludes by noting limitations and future directions for research, including the need to control for subtle contingencies and to further analyze the effects of different treatment techniques.This study by Iwata et al. (1980) employs an operant methodology to assess the functional relationships between self-injury and specific environmental events in nine developmentally disabled subjects. The study observed self-injurious behaviors during brief, repeated exposure to various conditions, including play materials, experimenter demands, and social attention. Results showed significant between-subject and within-subject variability, with six out of nine subjects exhibiting consistent associations between higher levels of self-injury and specific stimulus conditions. These findings suggest that self-injury may be influenced by different sources of reinforcement, such as attention, sensory stimulation, or the termination of demands. The study discusses the implications for treatment selection, emphasizing the need to identify the specific reinforcing events associated with self-injury to develop more effective interventions. The authors also highlight the importance of environmental factors in maintaining self-injury and suggest that an enriched environment may reduce self-injury. The study concludes by noting limitations and future directions for research, including the need to control for subtle contingencies and to further analyze the effects of different treatment techniques.