CHAPTER 1: Understanding Behavior in Children and Youth Behavior Management: Principles and Practices of Positive Behavior Supports Third Edition John J. Wheeler David D. Richey

Objectives Describe the various theoretical models used to explain human behavior Provide a synthesis of each of these models and offer a comparative analysis as to the strengths and limitations of each perspective Describe the evolution of PBS

Objectives continued… Describe the facets of PBS that make it uniquely different from ABA Describe the functional utility of each of the models discussed in the chapter with respect to addressing and preventing challenging behavior among children and youth

Theoretical Models for Understanding Behavior Biological Model Examines the presence of atypical development and behavioral differences from an organic standpoint Physical symptoms are often the result of pathogens Otherwise known and referred to as the “Medical Model”

Developmental Model Pioneered by Piaget, Vygotsky Stage-Theory of Development Stresses a child’s adaptation to his/her environment is largely innate Application of this model is witnessed through the the use of Developmentally Appropriate practice (DAP)

Psychodynamic Model Pioneered by theorists such as Freud and Erikson Emphasis on cognitive processes as the underlying motive for behavior Stage-theory of development Internal states are central to then formation of the personality

Ecological Model The Ecological model is widely known from the work of Uri Bronfenbrenner and his application of this model with families It is comprised of: Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem, Macrosystem, and Chromosystem

Ecological Model continued… The Ecological Model views the child's environments which comprise the child’s eco-system as being most influential in terms of development Hobbs and the Re-Ed Model is another example of how school, community and home environments working together could result in meaningful outcomes

Behavioral Model Views human behavior from a functional perspective in terms that are measureable and observable Recognizes that all behavior serves a function and has evolved from an individual’s learning history Origins of this model stem from the early work of Pavlov

Behavioral Model continued… Thorndike “Law of Effect” Pavlov “Classical Conditioning” Watson “Behaviorism”

Behavioral Model continued… B.F. Skinner furthered the early work of these early theorists and applied these principles to humans Skinner was known for his work in the area of “Operant Conditioning”

Behavioral Model continued… Skinner’s theory postulated that learning occurred as a result of consequences Skinner’s work advanced the field of behavior modification The field further evolved with the advent of Applied Behavior Analysis

Applied Behavior Analysis ABA involved the scientific study of human behavior and was most notable in the field of special education and services to individuals with developmental disabilities who were in residential institutions.

Social Learning Model Albert Bandura advanced the understanding of human behavior and learning through the “Social Learning Model”. Bandura believed in the social context of learning and how models within the environment influence learning

Social Learning continued… The social learning model recognizes the cognitive influences on behavior and the role of models within the child’s environments as being central to learning

Positive Behavior Supports Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) was first advocated in 1990 by Horner and colleagues as a model of nonaversive behavior supports for individuals with developmental disabilities Some view PBS as an outgrowth of ABA PBS has been embraced by the IDEA

PBS continued…. PBS represents a philosophy of practice aimed at enhancing the quality-of-life for individuals with disabilities and their families Person-centered in its philosophy Relies on the use of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to determine function(s) of behavior

PBS continued… The FBA determines the function of the behavior and formulates hypotheses relative to the behavior and the triggers and consequences associated with it Data from the FBA are then used to generate an individualized Behavior Support Plan (BSP)

PBS Continued… PBS also addresses three-tiers of intervention aimed at School-wide, classroom, and tertiary or individual levels The recent Reauthorization of the IDEA has determined PBS to be the intervention of choice