Precursor behavior and functional analysis: A brief review

Abstract

Researchers have developed precursor functional analyses to provide an alternative, and presumably safer, format for functional analysis of severe problem behavior. When researchers use functional analysis contingencies for precursor behaviors, it is possible to infer functional characteristics about severe problem behaviors based on patterns of less severe precursor behaviors, permitting practitioners to complete the assessment with less risk to clients, practitioners, or others. The current paper discusses recent advances in the development and validation of precursor identification, and offers suggestions and future directions for investigating and implementing precursor functional analyses. We propose a decision‐making model, in which practitioners integrate procedures to identify precursors into the functional‐analysis process, to expedite the analysis of severe problem behaviors.

Prevention Is the Best Intervention: Proactive Strategies for Supporting Students Who Engage in Escalated Behaviors

“…Precursor behaviors refer to mild problem behaviors that typically precede more escalated problem behaviors and can be identified through conversations with students’ family members and educators, as well as by directly observing students in settings where escalated behaviors typically occur (Heath & Smith, 2019; Najdowski et al, 2008). For example, a student who engages in physical aggression toward educators in order to avoid or escape independent seatwork may first refuse to complete their seatwork, request to leave class (e.g., request to use the restroom, visit the school nurse), or use profanity if not permitted to do so.…”

The Effect of Training on Functional Behavioural Analysis on Teacher Self-Efficacy Among Special Education Teachers in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria

“…FBA is a systematic process or identi ying the purpose o challenging behaviours, which helps to in orm interventions to prevent and address the maladaptive behaviours (Foran et al, 2015). Recent systematic reviews provide good support or the e ectiveness o FBA in reducing students' challenging behaviours across di erent types o schools and classroom settings, and when delivered by a range o personnel (Heath Jr & Smith, 2019;Lloyd et al, 2016). Tus, both the underpinning theory o FBA and the evidence-base or reducing challenging behaviours in children with developmental di culties are now well established.…”

“…Tus, both the underpinning theory o FBA and the evidence-base or reducing challenging behaviours in children with developmental di culties are now well established. However, this evidence-base is largely based on studies in High Income Countries (HICs) as shown by the act that none o the studies cited in recent systematic reviews (Heath Jr & Smith, 2019;Lloyd et al, 2016) were rom A rica. Although one recent study rom Nigeria (Bello-Mojeed et al, 2016) showed the easibility o parent-delivered FBA-based strategies in reducing challenging behaviours among children with autism spectrum disorder; the evidence-gap rom Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) on FBA remains very wide.…”

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Treating Severe Behavior in a Juvenile Justice Facility: Teaching Behavioral Self-Management via Telehealth

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated that behaviors may occur in predictable patterns or response classes, thus creating a hierarchy of response forms (e.g., Harding et al, 2001 ; Herscovitch et al, 2009 ; Lalli et al, 1995 ; Najdowski et al, 2008 ). From a clinical perspective, precursors are less intensive or problematic responses that appear early in a response hierarchy or response chain and culminate in severe challenging behavior (e.g., Heath & Smith, 2019 ). Studies have demonstrated the clinical utility of training caregivers to intervene following precursor behaviors as a safer alternative to intervening directly on problem behavior (Borlase et al, 2017 ; Borrero & Borrero, 2008 ; Dracobly & Smith, 2012 ; Fritz et al, 2013 ; Herscovitch et al, 2009 ; Hoffmann et al, 2018 ; Langdon et al, 2008 ; Najdowski et al, 2008 ; Smith & Churchill, 2002 ).…”