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When Science Cannot Guide us: A Call to Action for Applied Behavior Analysts.
1University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX USA.
Perspectives on Behavior Science
|July 10, 2023
Summary
The ABAI Task Force Report on Contingent Electric Skin Shock (CESS) identified significant issues with its use. This commentary argues that the proposed position statement was flawed and calls for better solutions for severe problem behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavior analysis
- Applied behavior analysis
- Ethical considerations in behavior therapy
Background:
- The ABAI Task Force Report on Contingent Electric Skin Shock (CESS) highlighted ethical, clinical, and practical concerns.
- A proposed position statement ('Position A') aimed to balance client choice with safety.
- Concerns exist regarding the availability of services for severe problem behavior and research on treatment-resistant cases.
Discussion:
- Critique of 'Position A' as a misguided attempt to prioritize client choice over client welfare.
- Ethical implications of using CESS for severe problem behaviors.
- The necessity of re-evaluating current practices and ethical guidelines.
Key Insights:
- Contingent Electric Skin Shock (CESS) presents significant ethical and clinical challenges.
- 'Position A' was an untenable stance due to its flawed reasoning.
- There is a critical need for improved treatment services and research for severe and treatment-resistant behaviors.
Outlook:
- Urgent call for developing effective and ethical alternative treatments for severe problem behaviors.
- Future research should focus on treatment-resistant behaviors and the development of humane interventions.
- The field must prioritize the well-being of vulnerable clients by addressing service gaps.
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