A Behavioral Therapy Program Based on Behavioral Learning Theories to Reduce Abusive Behavior in Children with Mild Mental Disabilities

Abstract

This research aims to identify the effectiveness of a behavioral training program based on behavioral learning theories in reducing harmful behavior (aggression toward self or others) in children with mild mental disabilities. The study sample consisted of (9) children with mild mental disabilities who were trainable and educable. Their ages ranged between (9-12) years, and their IQ was between (50-75) from the Center for the Development of Mental Abilities in the city of Sabha. The researcher used a two-component self-harm behavior scale (self-harm "aggressive behavior toward oneself") and harming others (aggressive behavior toward others) (prepared by the researcher), as well as a behavioral training program (prepared by the researcher). The researcher adopted a quasi-experimental approach for a single sample. The research results showed that there were differences between the pre- and post-measurements of the sample members in favor of the post-measurement, and that there were no differences between the post- and follow-up measurements of the sample members. According to these results, it can be said that the training program is effective in reducing self-harm behavior.