Defining repetitive questioning
Repetitive questioning behaviour is when a child asks the same question repeatedly.
Repetitive questioning as a part of normal development
As adults, we play a vital role in our child’s learning. Answering our children’s questions and providing explanations help children understand how the world works, how to make predictions and learn how to handle situations effectively, and repeating the information helps children consolidate and retain it.
Even if children have specific knowledge, it’s normal for them to still ask the same question from time to time to alleviate worry, doubt or fear.
Repetitive questioning behaviour of concern
Some children ask the same questions so many times that it becomes excessive. Questioning can be repetitively asking about an activity (e.g. Do I have to go swimming?), time (e.g. When are we having lunch?), person (e.g. Is Simona coming today?), place (e.g. Can I sit in the front seat of the car?) or transport (e.g. Are we going to miss the train?).
It is important to note that repetitive questioning behaviour exists for a variety of reasons, and is particularly prominent in children with anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, traumatic brain injury, Autism spectrum disorder, Smith-Magenis syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Prader Willi syndrome.
Impact of repetitive questioning
Most children and adults try to stay as patient as possible but at times they may feel tired of answering the questions and in exasperation, snap and say something like, ‘I have already told you the answer a hundred times’, ‘We just talked about this two minutes ago’ or ‘Why do you keep asking me when you already know the answer.’ However, these responses only seem to increase the child’s stress and the situation worsens.
When a child begins to persistently exhibit repetitive questioning behaviour, the climate of the context (e.g. childcare, early childhood, primary and secondary school, disability support and youth services) can change dramatically. A considerable amount of time and energy can be spent on the child showing the repetitive questioning behaviour, which can have a deleterious effect on the quality of the learning experience for all the children. Research consistently shows that managing behaviour is linked to staff experiencing high levels of stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.
Repetitive questioning affects everyone involved and the child who is asking questions repetitively requires necessary help to learn positive ways of behaving and managing their emotions.
Positive support resources for repetitive questioning
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on evidence-based strategies and person-centred supports that address the needs of the individual and the underrepetitive questioning causes of the behaviours of concern, to enhance the quality of life for both the individual and those that support them.
PBS recognises that there is no single cause for repetitive questioning behaviour . It is a complex that is a product of the interaction between multiple factors contributing to its development and persistence.
Repetitive questioning behaviour is like the tip of the iceberg so it is essential to look beneath the surface to work out the why before we can address the problem. Behaviour Help resources are at hand.
FAQs
Reverse the question to see if the person already knows the answer to his/her own question. Suggest an alternative activity so the opportunity for interaction is maintained but the focus shifts from the attempt at conversation to something of mutual interest and less stress.
How do I stop repetitive questioning? ›
Reverse the question to see if the person already knows the answer to his/her own question. Suggest an alternative activity so the opportunity for interaction is maintained but the focus shifts from the attempt at conversation to something of mutual interest and less stress.
What causes repetitive questioning? ›
Repetitive questioning may indicate that your loved one is anxious. A person who asks the day or time, over and over, may need reassurance from you.
How do you fix repetitive behavior? ›
7 ways to treat BFRBs
- 1) Identify triggers.
- 2) Track your progress.
- 3) Use distractions.
- 4) Try cognitive behavioral therapy.
- 5) Explore medications.
- 6) Ask about supplements.
- 7) Visit support groups.
Repetitive questioning as a part of normal development
Even if children have specific knowledge, it's normal for them to still ask the same question from time to time to alleviate worry, doubt or fear.
Why does someone keep asking the same question over and over? ›
It is very likely the person does not know they keep asking the same question or repeating the same action. Often if someone is repeating the same question, they need an emotional rather than factual response. This may be because the person feels confused or anxious.
How do you break repetition compulsion? ›
One way to overcome repetition compulsion is through psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy involves exploring and identifying past trauma that could contribute to repetition. It helps you understand any subconscious issues you're experiencing.
What are the first signs of dementia personality changes? ›
Someone with dementia can have rapid mood swings, for no apparent reason. They can become confused, suspicious or withdrawn. Some can become disinhibited or more outgoing.
What is sundowning? ›
The term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion that occurs in the late afternoon and lasts into the night. Sundowning can cause various behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning also can lead to pacing or wandering. Sundowning isn't a disease.
What does middle stage dementia look like? ›
During the middle stages of Alzheimer's, damage to the brain can make it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks. You may notice the person with Alzheimer's jumbling words, having trouble dressing, getting frustrated or angry, or acting in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe.
The most highly recommended type of cognitive-behavioral therapy is habit reversal therapy. For this therapy, people are taught to do the following: Become more aware of what they are doing. Identify situations that trigger body-focused repetitive behavior.
How do you break the habit of repeating things? ›
Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Recognize When You're Repeating Yourself. It's easy to get carried away when you're excited about a certain topic, which is why you may begin to repeat things without even realizing you're doing it. ...
- Recognize Why You're Repeating Yourself. ...
- Listen Closely. ...
- When in doubt, Ask.
Treatment
- Become more aware of what they are doing.
- Identify situations that trigger body-focused repetitive behavior.
- Use strategies to help them stop themselves from doing the activity—for example, by substituting a different activity (such as clenching their fist, knitting, or sitting on their hands) for it.
Much as we may know that repetitive questioning is a symptom of dementia and that we “ought” to be patient, we still get stressed out. If we try and answer the same question over and over again, the stress levels shoot up. If we snap or ignore it, we feel guilty.
How do I get my child to stop asking the same question? ›
What I have found helpful, is to encourage him to slow down a little bit, stop and think before he asks a question. If I find my child repeats the same question several times, I'll stop answering the question, and respond instead, I've already given you the answer, and ask him to tell me the answer.
Is asking the same question over and over autism? ›
Children with neurotypical development go through stages where they are full of seemingly endless questions. The same often happens for children with autism or Asperger's syndrome, but the same questions may get asked over and over again, which can be frustrating for parents and others they interact with.
How do you stop compulsive repetitive behavior? ›
Treatment
- Become more aware of what they are doing.
- Identify situations that trigger body-focused repetitive behavior.
- Use strategies to help them stop themselves from doing the activity—for example, by substituting a different activity (such as clenching their fist, knitting, or sitting on their hands) for it.
Know that you have the right to say no.
- Be honest and divert the topic back to the other person. I feel a bit uncomfortable talking about that, so I'd rather not get into it. How are things with you?
- Deflect with humour, if appropriate. The story behind that is so long and boring, honestly, you'd regret asking me!
It is more likely that poor short-term memory is the cause of the repeating. The person may be preoccupied with something, like when it's time to eat, but feel uncomfortable or even anxious because he/she can't remember when mealtime is. One strategy in curbing perseveration is to distract the person.
What is it called when you are questioning everything? ›
("Philosophers may be divided into dogmatics, and skeptics" ( Diog. L. i, 16), i.e. into those who presume that knowledge is possible and those who do not.) But someone who questions = doubts most everything is normally in English called a 'skeptic'.
