Non-aversive treatment of repetitive absconding behaviour in clients with severe neuropsychiatric disorders

Research relating to the causes and treatment of absconding behaviour among individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disability is reviewed and a non-aversive intervention is reported. Interventions with two clients with severe neuropsychiatric disability and repetitive absconding behaviour are presented in a multiple-baseline within-client single-case format. Multiple empirical treatment approaches were applied to culminate in a successful non-aversive intervention. The effective intervention used reinforcement approaches that were congruent with the client's goals rather than increased restriction. The design of one case included reversal, indicating that it was the intervention, not other factors, that reduced the absconding behaviour. Absconding attempts and absconding incidents were reduced to zero using non-aversive interventions where more restrictive interventions had failed to have a lasting impact. A counter-intuitive non-aversive intervention was effective in eliminating dangerous absconding behaviour in two clients with severe neuropsychiatric disorders.