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Published on: July 4, 2013
Functional analysis and treatment of aggression maintained by preferred conversational topics
Eileen M Roscoe1, Arianne E Kindle, Sacha T Pence
1New England Center for Children, Northeastern University, USA. eroscoe@necc.org
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Aggression in individuals can be maintained by specific attention, such as preferred conversational topics. Identifying these triggers through functional analysis allows for targeted interventions that reduce problem behaviors and promote communication.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Functional analysis is crucial for understanding behavior.
- Aggression can be maintained by social attention.
- Unclear functional analysis outcomes necessitate further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify maintaining variables for aggression.
- To assess preferred attention types as reinforcers.
- To develop a function-based intervention for aggression.
Main Methods:
- Initial and extended functional analyses were conducted.
- Preference and reinforcer assessments were utilized.
- A modified attention condition was implemented.
Main Results:
- Aggression was maintained by access to preferred conversational topics.
- The extended functional analysis clarified the maintaining variables.
- The intervention successfully decreased aggression.
Conclusions:
- Preferred conversational topics can function as powerful reinforcers for aggression.
- Function-based interventions are effective in reducing problem behavior.
- Targeting specific attention needs can increase appropriate communication.
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