PBS Principles
Focusing on improving individuals' quality of life (QoL) is a feature of PBS. What is quality of life?
Degree to which individual experiences personal well-being in terms of participation in valued activities and settings, physical health, and overall satisfaction with their surroundings and relationships
When did the approach that came to be known as PBS emerge?
Mid 1980s
One of the central messages of PBS is that we should fix problem contexts, not problem behaviors. Let’s say a PBS practitioner was called into a preschool to help with Eddy, who is engaging in disruptive behavior. However, you notice that three other kids are also engaging in disruptive behavior and the two teachers in the class are busy trying to put out fires let alone focus on Eddy. What do you do?
Implement a class-wide strategy for everyone in the classroom while implementing targeted intervention for Eddy.
True or False: Within PBS, it is highly encouraged that parents, teachers, direct care staff, etc. collect robust and objective data regardless of environmental circumstances.
False. Data collection is tailored to the environmental circumstances and feasibility of the implementers.
PBS was originally called _______.
"Nonaversive behavior management"
Within PBS, when is the best time to intervene and provide intervention for individuals?
When the problem behavior is not occurring. You should not wait until problem behaviors occur. Why not build communication skills, social skills, etc. because they are needed, not as a result of an emerging problem.
It is encouraged that PBS practitioners strive to develop interventions with “contextual fit.” What does it mean for an intervention to have contextual fit?
Interventions have social validity and is implemented with consideration of resources, needs, and preferences of the client and caregivers.
True or False: PBS Originally involved highly aversive and stigmatizing punishment procedures
False. PBS was introduced as an alternative to this practice.
Besides providing expectations (e.g., be respectful [operationally defined]) and reinforcement for following those expectations (e.g., token, praise), what other supports can be in place for everyone in a classroom?
1) Pacing of activities (ASR & OTR) 2) Appropriateness of curriculum 3) Feedback and reinforcement 4) “Do” instructions 5) Clear transitions
Simply training someone to implement interventions (e.g., through behavioral skills training) may not be sufficient to fully engage implementers. Which PBS principle does this refer to?
Ensuring Buy-in and Implementation
What does PBS stand for?
Positive Behavior Supports
Within PBS, when does intervention end? Why?
Never. There is no termination criteria. Not all "natural environments" have sufficient level of reinforcement to maintain high levels of appropriate behavior and low levels of problem behavior