Investigating naturally occurring variability in challenging behaviour - the Ecological interview

Background: This article presents the Ecological Interview (EI), a measure of variability in challenging behaviour, and includes some brief information on its development and research.

Method and materials: The EI was developed as part of a research project on naturally occurring variability in challenging behaviour. Drawing from previous measures, it gathers information from carers on the relative likelihood of challenging behaviour across a range of antecedent situations and events.

Results: Research carried out to date suggests the EI provides reliable, moderately valid and potentially generalisable data.

Conclusions: The EI may have a range of uses in clinical practice and research. Further study of its validity is warranted.