Problem behaviour and staff responses in community-based homes

Abstract

The presence of problem behaviour in community-based accommodation is a major factor limiting the opportunities of many people with intellectual disability. This study examined staff responses to the range of problem behaviour in three community-based homes for people with intellectual disability. The relationship between resident behaviour and staff response was examined, as well as contingencies of negative reinforcement that contributed to both staff and resident behaviours. Results indicate that staff tend to rely heavily on verbal approaches to address problem behaviour (80%). In addition, when the initial staff response to a behaviour failed to result in an immediate withdrawal of that behaviour, staff frequently adopted other strategies (38%). The findings suggest that staff behaviour is negatively reinforced by the withdrawal of a problem behaviour. This may result in staff adopting approaches that fail to consider the long-term effects of their response on the problem behaviour.