Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between restricted, repetitive behavior (RRB) and anxiety in a sample of adults with intellectual disability (ID). Six regression analyses were conducted. Predictor variables were age, severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, level of adaptive functioning, and anxiety; RRB (in general and specific subtypes) was the criterion. Together, the four predictor variables accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in total RRB, Stereotypic Behavior, Compulsive Behavior, Ritualistic/Sameness Behavior, and Restricted Interests. Self-injurious behavior (SIB) was the only subtype of RRB in which the results of the regression analysis were not significant. Anxiety was found to independently account for a significant proportion of the variance in total RRB, Compulsive Behavior, and Ritualistic/Sameness Behavior. This suggests that changes in RRB in general and in particular subtypes, specifically compulsive behavior and ritualistic/sameness behavior, may be observable indicators of anxiety in adults with ID. Overall, this study highlights the need for more research on RRB in general and on the relationship between RRB and anxiety, especially across different populations and settings.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Stereotyped behavior (Psychiatry); Compulsive behavior; Anxiety; People with mental disabilities--Psychology

Publication Date

12-19-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Experimental Psychology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

Vincent Pandolfi

Advisor/Committee Member

A. Smerbeck

Advisor/Committee Member

Caroline DeLong

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

EXPSYC-MS

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