Antecedent influences on challenging behaviour: a preliminary assessment of the reliability, generlisability and validity of the Ecological overview

Background: People with intellectual disabilities who display challenging behaviour are often exposed to a range of negative outcomes, including social and material deprivation, abusive practices and disruption to family life. Several studies have linked specific antecedent events to the occurrence of challenging behaviour.

Method and materials: The present study describes the further development of an indirect method of identifying antecedent influences on challenging behaviour by assessing the reliability, generalisability and validity of the Ecological Interview (EI). Twenty care workers providing direct support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour were interviewed using the EI.

Results: The EI has good test-retest reliability and generalisability, and moderate validity.

Conclusions: The results of the study are discussed in terms of their implications for clinical practice and future research, and recommendations are made regarding alternative methods of assessing validity.