Behavior Modification Approaches

Behavior Modification Approaches

How Antecedent Interventions are Used as  Behavior Intervention Strategy

Antecedent-based interventions (ABIs) are behaviour-changing strategies that involve changing the environment to remove undesired behavior. This approach is mainly used for children with autism but can also be used to change the behaviors of children with other developmental disorders, like in the case of a ten-year-old boy called Michael. Eckes et al. (2023) have added that when using ABIs, the environment should be changed before the behavior to signal to the child that the correct behavior is needed because there is reinforcement (Miltenberger, 2015). The antecedents that may be used to cue for the required behavior arise during the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process. After determining the functions of the behavior, a Behavior Intervention Plan is implemented.

Definition

Differential reinforcement of alternative (DRA) behavior: This is a method used in applied behavior analysis (ABA) to change undesired conduct to change behavior through giving or withdrawing reinforcement (Eckes et al., 2023).

Differential reinforcement of incompatible (DRI) behavior: This behavior reinforcement approach deals with helping the child acquire behaviors that are incompatible with the inappropriate behavior (Eckes et al., 2023).

Differential reinforcement of other (DRO) behavior: This is an approach used to reinforce the required behavior only when the targeted behavior is not demonstrated at a certain time when it is needed (Eckes et al., 2023).

Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) of behavior: This is yet another behavior reinforcement approach that reinforces behaviors in intervals depending on the criteria and the rate at which a target behavior occurs (Eckes et al., 2023).

The Appropriate Differential Reinforcement to Address Michael’s Target Behavior

The best differential reinforcement approach for Michael is Differential reinforcement of other (DRO) behavior. When implementing this behavior, the behavior analyst can create independent work time and divide it into 6 different segments of 5 minutes. Every five minutes, the behavior analyst will observe Michael; if he does not show any aggressive behavior, he is given reinforcement.

References

Eckes, T., Buhlmann, U., Holling, H. D., & Möllmann, A. (2023). Comprehensive ABA-based interventions in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder – a meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04412-1

Miltenberger, R. G. (2015). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures (6th Edition). Cengage Limited.

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Scenario

Frank is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with Changing Directions, an agency that provides community-based mental health services. The agency received a behavior analysis referral from a pediatrician for a 10-year-old boy named Michael. Michael’s mother, Katherine, has had some significant problems with his behavior for as long as she can remember, but these problems have increased over the past two years. Michael engages in verbally aggressive behavior at home, including yelling/arguing with his mother and siblings, as well as property destruction in the form of breaking toys, breaking household items, and kicking holes in the wall. Michael has begun to display similar behaviors in the school setting, which has resulted in his mother having to leave work to pick him up. Katherine received a promotion at her current job over a year ago, which has required a significant increase in her work hours and less time with the children. In an initial interview, Katherine reports that she has grounded Michael when he has “acted out” and has tried to reward Michael when he has “behaved well,” but nothing appears to work. Frank conducted a functional behavior assessment (FBA) that indicated that much of Michael’s behavior appeared to serve the function of positive reinforcement in the form of social attention from his mother.

Discussion

Please complete your assigned readings and respond to the following:

How are antecedent interventions used as a behavior intervention strategy?
Define each of the following:
Differential reinforcement of alternative (DRA) behavior
Differential reinforcement of incompatible (DRI) behavior
Differential reinforcement of other (DRO) behavior
Differential reinforcement of low rates (DRL) of behavior
Based upon the probable function of the target behavior, as determined by the FBA, illustrate the differential reinforcement approach that you feel would be most appropriate to address Michael’s target behavior and explain how you would implement this BIP.