ABSTRACT
In this single-case research study, we examined the efficacy and acceptability of sertraline treatment in children diagnosed with selective mutism. We utilized a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline within a replicated multiple baseline/across participants research design (n = 2; n = 3). Multiple methods of assessment involving across-setting informants were completed repeatedly throughout the 16-week study. Follow-up data was collected at 4 and 20 weeks poststudy. Assessment measures failed to demonstrate group changes in mutism, anxiousness, and shyness. All individuals realized considerable improvement on some of these variables. Two of the five participants no longer met diagnostic criteria for selective mutism following less than 10 weeks of 100 mg sertraline treatment. A third participant was reported asymptomatic at 20 weeks poststudy. Treatment compliance was high. Parent treatment acceptability ratings were highly favorable. Single-case research methodology has considerable clinical utility in the medication treatment of selective mutism. Frequent and repeated measurement across phases helped to highlight varying levels of participant improvement across situationally specific settings. Additional investigation of the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating selective mutism is warranted.
Subject(s)
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Mutism/drug therapy , Sertraline/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Sertraline/adverse effectsABSTRACT
There is a paucity of research on the frequency, intensity, and content of fears experienced by Hispanic (or Latino) American youth with mental retardation. We assessed fears experienced by 48 Hispanic youth with mental retardation (ages 10 to 21 years) using the Fear Survey for Children With and Without Mental Retardation. Although differences were found in the content of fears across age and gender groups, the number and intensity of fears did not differ. Promising evidence of the validity of this survey instrument was attained by its significant correlations with the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. Implications for future research were discussed.
Subject(s)
Fear , Hispanic or Latino/psychology , Intellectual Disability/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Intellectual Disability/ethnology , Male , Manifest Anxiety ScaleABSTRACT
The frequency, intensity, and content of specific fears in 299 children with and without mental retardation (ages 6 to 13 years) were investigated. The children with mental retardation reported a greater fear intensity than did younger children without mental retardation but did not differ in the number of fears reported. However, children with mental retardation reported both a greater frequency and intensity of fears than did similar-age peers without mental retardation. Gender differences in frequency and intensity of fears were assessed, and the most common fears (with and without regard to intensity ratings) of the groups were compared and implications for future research and practice presented.
Subject(s)
Fear , Intellectual Disability/psychology , Adolescent , Child , Female , Gender Identity , Humans , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Male , Personality Inventory/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of ResultsSubject(s)
Achievement , Child Rearing , Handwriting , Parents/education , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Graphical and statistical indices employed to represent observer agreement in interval recording are described as "judgmental aids", stimuli to which the researcher and scientific community must respond when viewing observer agreement data. The advantages and limitations of plotting calibrating observer agreement data and reporting conventional statistical aids are discussed in the context of their utility for researchers and research consumers of applied behavior analysis. It is argued that plotting calibrating observer data is a useful supplement to statistical aids for researchers but is of only limited utility for research consumers. Alternatives to conventional per cent agreement statistics for research consumers include reporting special agreement estimates (e.g., per cent occurrence agreement and nonoccurrence agreement) and correlational statistics (e.g., Kappa and Phi).
