Authors

  1. Matthes, Jessica PhD
  2. Caples, Heather PhD

Abstract

Objective: To explore ethical issues in using deception to improve participation in a patient with severe traumatic brain injury who had not responded to traditional behavioral and pharmacologic approaches.

 

Design: Case study.

 

Participant: A male in inpatient neurorehabilitation with history of severe traumatic brain injury and significant behavioral disruption that limited his therapy participation.

 

Methods: Behavior modification program using principles of operant conditioning that required deception.

 

Results: Participation in therapies significantly improved and disruptive behaviors decreased.

 

Conclusion: When used cautiously and with careful consideration of the ethical implications, deception may be permissible as part of an intervention strategy with this population but only as a last resort.