Developmental behavior analytic therapy: Easier done than said.

Abstract

Developmental Behavior Analytic Therapy (dbat) is the first behavioral therapy with developmental underpinnings. This paper introduces dbat by presenting a composite case study. It also discusses the theoretical underpinnings of this therapy. dbat aims to help individuals with behavioral problems change specific problem behaviors that consequently help them to lead more satisfying lives. It aims to alter specific behavioral problems, because the biological susceptibility to such behavioral problems is a given. It is suggested that this therapy be used as an adjunct to conventional therapies that specialize in helping individuals cope with behavioral problems. dbat is different from other contemporary or behavioral analytic therapies, as it integrates a behavioral developmental stage model, the Model of Hierarchical Complexity (mhc), into its working. The foundation of this therapy is the theory that behavioral developmental stages and value of consequences of a behavior interact to predict an individual’s behavior, and also suggests that behavioral problems affect both behavioral developmental stage and value of consequences.