Parent Perceptions of Behavior Analytic Interventions

Current trends in the general American population favor parenting strategies with a relationship-focused approach highlighting secure attachment, respecting children, parenting proactively, showing empathic leadership, and using positive discipline. However, these strategies generally have not been validated by the research literature or may be based on behavior analytic strategies without reference to their origins. Although behavior analytic strategies have been shown to be effective throughout decades of research, these approaches have acquired a negative reputation in many communities with the perception of applied behavior analysis (ABA) being cold, harsh, and robotic. This study seeks to assess parental perceptions of ABA interventions, the likelihood of using those interventions, and parental preference for the integration of relationship-focused aspects into behavioral interventions. Results for antecedent-, reinforcement-, and punishment-based interventions are presented followed by a discussion about improving rapport, treatment adherence, and enhancing the perception of ABA.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-024-01010-3.