Functional Analysis Of Problem Behavior Research Articles

Predicting and Managing Risk during Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior

Maintaining participant safety during the assessment of problem behavior is of upmost importance. The performance-based, interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA) is a functional analysis that incorporates an open-ended interview with caregivers. We introduced additional questions to the interview to identify participants who are prone to escalation. We found that the percentage of dangerous problem behavior and the probability of a burst were correlated with reports of quick escalation. The results suggest that questions regarding escalation speed may be helpful for predicting any safety concerns. Researchers should consider procedural modifications when safety concerns are anticipated to ensure individuals feel physically secure.

Comparisons of functional behavior assessment procedures to the functional analysis of problem behavior.

Comparisons of functional behavior assessment procedures to the functional analysis of problem behavior.

The Effect of Napping on the Function of Problem Behavior for One Child With an Acquired Brain Injury

Many children experience sleep disruption in the form of difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting back to sleep. Children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) sometimes experience an exacerbation of these symptoms. Thus, researchers and practitioners alike need to identify creative assessment and treatment approaches to meet this population’s needs. The purpose of the current case study was to highlight one method for (a) determining a nap schedule and (b) evaluating the effect of fatigue on behavioral function for one child diagnosed with an ABI. We conducted a scatterplot analysis to identify periods in which problem behaviors occurred more or less often. These data informed when the child took naps. Afterward, the child participated in a functional analysis of problem behavior before a nap and again after a nap. Results showed both negative and positive reinforcement maintained problem behaviors before naps, while only positive reinforcement maintained problem behaviors after naps. Functional communication training (FCT) programs implemented to address escape, tangible, and attention functions before naps reduced problem behavior and increased communication. These data suggested that (a) motivating operations for problem behavior can differ depending on fatigue and (b) FCT is an effective intervention for problem behavior affected by fatigue. The current study provides an example of an assessment and treatment approach when biologic factors, like sleep, may influence problem behavior.

Supplemental Material for Comparisons of Functional Behavior Assessment Procedures to the Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior

Supplemental Material for Comparisons of Functional Behavior Assessment Procedures to the Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior

A new adaptation of the Interview-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analyses (IISCA): The performance-based IISCA

ABSTRACT The functional analysis of problem behavior is an important type of assessment that has been shown to increase the likelihood of arriving at an efficacious treatment. Several studies described the efficient use of the Interviewed-Informed Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA) to reveal the variables that influence problem behavior across a variety of topographies, participants, and settings. In this study, we describe a new adaptation of the IISCA, the Performance-Based IISCA, used to assess the severe problem behavior of five Italian children with autism admitted to a clinic in the south of Italy. In all applications, the Performance-Based IISCA elucidated the synthesized establishing operations that evoked problem behavior and the synthesized reinforcers that influenced its maintenance. This study extends the literature on functional analysis by introducing the Performance-Based IISCA, demonstrating its viability with Italian clients and demonstrating how its procedural refinements can lead to safe analyses.

Training behavior analysts to conduct functional analyses using a remote group behavioral skills training package.

Behavioral skills training (BST) is a well-established procedure used to train individuals how to perform a variety of complex skills. Previous research has used BST to train parents, teachers, and clinicians how to conduct a variety of clinical procedures, including functional analysis of problem behavior. Although this procedure has been demonstrated to be very effective, it can be time consuming and resource intensive. In the present study, 13 behavior analysts were trained to conduct functional analyses of problem behavior. All participants were employees of a multistate early intervention clinic. This staff training was conducted fully remotely, and trainers acted as child role-play partners. Participants experienced baseline, an instruction/discussion component, a post-instruction probe, group BST, and a post-BST probe. For 5 participants, in-situ probes were also conducted. All participants achieved mastery and in-situ errors were low.

Validating a Computerized Program for Supporting Visual Analysis During Functional Analysis: The Problem Behavior Multilevel Interpreter (PB.MI).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-021-00656-7.

On the validity of data produced by isolated and synthesized contingencies during the functional analysis of problem behavior.

Functional analyses are intended to identify the reinforcers maintaining problem behavior in order to inform clinicians' selection of interventions. Traditionally, these analyses have exposed problem behavior to multiple, isolated reinforcement contingencies and in doing so, have ruled in and ruled out potential sources of reinforcement. Recently, some functional analysis models have forgone testing individual reinforcement contingencies and instead exposed problem behavior to 2 or more reinforcers simultaneously in a single, synthesized reinforcement contingency. The current review applies assessment analytics to these approaches to consider their relative sensitivity, specificity, discriminant validity, and predictive validity to yield practice recommendations and to nominate areas of future research.

Efficiency in functional analysis of problem behavior: A quantitative and qualitative review

Originating in the mid-1960s, functional analysis (FA) has become the gold standard method for understanding the environmental variables that come to shape and maintain problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-injury, and property destruction. Over the decades, a number of studies have refined FA methods, attempting to improve the overall efficiency of the analysis through experimental design and procedural modifications. In the present review, we used ongoing visual-inspection criteria and basic probability theory to compare and analyze levels of efficiency across FA types. The multielement design and synthesized contingency analyses were about equally efficient with respect to the mean number of sessions conducted per function tested, and the trial-based and synthesized contingency analyses were the 2 most efficient with respect to the mean duration per function tested. We discuss the implications of these findings in the broader context of efficiency and provide recommendations for maximizing efficiency during an FA. We also discuss other qualitative procedural details that may influence the overall efficiency of an FA.

Further evaluation of latency measures in the assessment and treatment of severe self‐injurious behavior

Recent research has demonstrated the utility of latency measures during the functional analysis of problem behavior; however, few studies have evaluated the utility of latency measures during subsequent treatment analyses. The current study seeks to extend the literature on the use of latency measures during the treatment of severe self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Following a latency‐based functional analysis, a treatment analysis was conducted using a hybrid procedure in which baseline sessions were terminated following the first instance of SIB, and test sessions ended after a fixed length of time. Latency to SIB was compared across conditions, whereas latency and rate measures for both SIB and functional communication responses were compared for the functional communication training condition. Results suggest that latency measures may be too sensitive during treatment analyses and that it is beneficial to use a hybrid procedure that allows for both latency and rate comparisons.

The Effects of Advance Notice on Problem Behavior Occasioned by Interruptions of an Ongoing Activity in a Young Girl with Autism.

The current study describes a trial-based functional analysis of problem behavior conducted in a home setting for a 7-year-old girl with autism. Problem behavior was occasioned by interruptions to an ongoing activity. Advance notice, in the form of a 2-min warning, and the sound of a timer were used to signal termination of a current activity and were effective at reducing problem behavior along with increasing compliance to the interruptive demands. A trial-based functional analysis, which are not common in the applied literature, was conducted in a home setting for young girl with autism, using antecedent and consequence modifications described by Hagopian, Bruzek, Bowman, and Jennett (2007), identified the variables that occasioned and maintained problem behavior were interruptions to an ongoing activity followed by regaining uninterrupted access to the previous activity. Mixed findings have been reported regarding the effectiveness of advance notice for decreasing problem behavior. Results of the current study show that an advance notice treatment package was effective for a child with autism; no escape extinction was necessary. Interruptions are part of everyday life and tolerating these changes is critical for habilitation for individuals with autism.

Functional analysis of problem behavior: A systematic approach for identifying idiosyncratic variables.

When inconclusive functional analysis (FA) outcomes occur, a number of modifications have been made to enhance the putative establishing operation or consequence associated with behavioral maintenance. However, a systematic method for identifying relevant events to test during modified FAs has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a technology for systematically identifying events to test in a modified FA after an initial FA led to inconclusive outcomes. Six individuals, whose initial FA showed little or no responding or high levels only in the control condition, participated. An indirect assessment (IA) questionnaire developed for identifying idiosyncratic variables was administered, and a descriptive analysis (DA) was conducted. Results from the IA only or a combination of the IA and DA were used to inform modified FA test and control conditions. Conclusive FA outcomes were obtained with 5 of the 6 participants during the modified FA phase.

Стратегии когнитивно-поведенческой психотерапии в реабилитации полинаркомании

Over the past few years, cognitive-behavioral therapy, aimed at forecasting and min¬imizing recidivism, was the most effective treatment for substance dependence (opiate addiction, cocainism, kannabizm and polydrug use). This article describes the psychotherapeutic treatment protocols polinarkozavisimosti. Given the short-term integrative principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with motivational thera¬py, psychoeducation and systemic family therapy. Presents the steps of motivational interviewing, functional analysis of problem behavior, social skills training and tech¬niques to overcome the negative stress based on the principle of awareness. Particular attention in this article on the prevention of recurrence in patients with polydrug use.

Advances in the indirect, descriptive, and experimental approaches to the functional analysis of problem behavior.

Experimental functional analysis is an assessment methodology to identify the environmental factors that maintain problem behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities and in other populations. Functional analysis provides the basis for the development of reinforcement-based approaches to treatment. This article reviews the procedures, validity, and clinical implementation of the methodological variations of functional analysis and function-based interventions. We present six variations of functional analysis methodology in addition to the typical functional analysis: brief functional analysis, single-function tests, latency-based functional analysis, functional analysis of precursors, and trial-based functional analysis. We also present the three general categories of function-based interventions: extinction, antecedent manipulation, and differential reinforcement. Functional analysis methodology is a valid and efficient approach to the assessment of problem behavior and the selection of treatment strategies.

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF VERBAL BEHAVIOR: A BRIEF REVIEW

A variation of the preintervention functional analysis of problem behavior has recently been extended to identify the function of verbal behavior emitted by children with autism. Recent research suggests that a functional analysis of verbal behavior might be beneficial in evaluating previous instruction and guiding the selection of future educational targets and instructional procedures. The present paper reviews previous literature on the functional analysis of verbal behavior and identifies avenues for future research.

PERSISTENCE DURING EXTINCTION: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT REINFORCEMENT ON PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

This study examined behavioral persistence during extinction following continuous or intermittent reinforcement in the context of an analogue functional analysis of problem behavior. Participants were 4 children who had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and who engaged in problem behavior maintained by social reinforcement. Experimental sessions included 4 successive 5-min components: no social interaction, continuous or intermittent reinforcement for problem behavior (alternating across sessions), extinction, and no social interaction. All participants' problem behavior was more persistent during extinction following continuous reinforcement, suggesting that behavior during extinction was affected by the preceding schedule of reinforcement.

Analogue assessment of the replacement behavior.

An experimental methodology for understanding why a behavior problem occurs, in terms of environmental functions, has received extensive attention and development (Bailey & Pyles, 1989; Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, & Richman, 1982; Iwata, Vollmer, & Zarcone, 1990; Lalli, Browder, Mace, & Brown, 1993; Lerman & Iwata, 1993; Lennox & Miltenberger, 1989; Lerman & Iwata, 1993, Mazelski, Iwata, Vollmer, Zarcone, & Smith, 1993). The efficacy of using functional analysis of behavior paradigms (AKA analogue assessment) to discern consequent controlling variables has received extensive empirical support since the original study in 1982 (Iwata, et.al., 1982). A functional analysis of problem behavior empirically extracts the context conditions under which such a behavior becomes more probable. Its heightened rate can be explained by both the presenting motivational conditions as well as the utility of such a behavior to produce a stimulus change that addresses the client's motivational condition. Cipani & Schock (2007) have designated sub-categories within four major environmental functions, in their classification system (see Table 1). This function-based diagnostic classification system classifies problem behaviors according to their environmental function. Operant behaviors are maintained by either positive or negative reinforcement operations. The manner in which the reinforcers are produced can be either socially mediated (i.e., through the behavior of another) or directly (behavior produces reinforcer). For example, a child throws tantrums in the afternoon before dinner. Such behaviors reliably result in access to food items, under conditions of relative deprivation, by her parent eventually giving the child a small snack. Tantrum behavior resulted in access to snack (positive reinforcement operation), but the result was mediated by her parent (i.e., socially mediated behavior problem or SMA 2.3: access to tangible reinforcers in diagnostic system). Snack items could be obtained by another child under similar motivating conditions by coming home and grabbing some cookies when parent is not watching (i.e., pilfering the cookie jar). The operation is the same, but the manner in which the reinforcer was obtained was not socially mediated. Rather it was directly produced via the chain of behaviors referred to as pilfering. While much is known about why a problem behavior occurs at an unacceptable rate, little to date has been done with developing a methodology to discern why the rate (or lack thereof) of the alternate behavior is relatively low. What would be the utility of such an analysis? An experimental analysis of the problem behavior allows the user to design functional interventions that address the controlling variables of that behavior. The same result could also be achieved from an experimental analysis of the contextual variables of the alternate replacement behavior. Such an analysis could lead to the design of effective interventions prior to any false starts. Consider the following hypothetical example. A client in a residential facility is referred for a functional behavioral assessment for engaging in self-injury. Reports from staff and descriptive data seem to indicate that this behavior is maintained as a result of socially mediated escape from unpleasant social situations (see Cipani & Schock, 2007). When other client's get near him when he is playing with his preferred toy, he screams and begins hitting himself. Such behavior usually brings staff, with the result of being separated from other clients. To test this hypothesis of a socially mediated escape function experimentally, an analogue assessment is set up. In a contrived setting, two test conditions will be implemented in a multi-element design: (1) client is in therapy room with other clients with his preferred toys and (2) client is in room with other clients without his preferred toys. …

Longitudinal Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior during an Atypical Neuroleptic Medication Cross-over Evaluation for an Adolescent with Developmental Disabilities

This quasi-longitudinal descriptive case study evaluated problem behavior for an adolescent boy with developmental disabilities via repeated functional behavioral analysis (FBA) probes during a blinded cross-over from the atypical neuroleptic Risperdal (Risperidone) to Seroquel (Quetiapine). The repeated FBA probes showed no medication differences for the frequency or function of problem behavior. A second study was completed following a school placement change with repeated FBA probes and a stable medication regimen. In this context, problem behavior was negatively reinforced in the form of escape from task demands. School staff subsequently implemented a function-based treatment decreasing problem behavior during treatment sessions. Implications for collaboration between health care providers and behavioral specialists in the design of comprehensive interventions for problem behavior are discussed.

COMPARING FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND PAIRED‐CHOICE ASSESSMENT RESULTS IN CLASSROOM SETTINGS

The results of a functional analysis of problem behavior and a paired-choice assessment were compared to determine whether the same social reinforcers were identified for problem behavior and an appropriate response (time allocation). The two assessments were conducted in classroom settings with 4 adolescents with mental retardation who engaged in severe problem behavior. Each student's classroom teacher served as the therapist for all phases of assessment. The two assessment procedures identified the same social reinforcers for problem and appropriate behavior for 3 of 4 participants.

The Effects of Consequence Manipulation During Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior Maintained by Negative Reinforcement

The Effects of Consequence Manipulation During Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior Maintained by Negative Reinforcement