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A conceptual framework for understanding why challenging behaviours occur in people with developmental disabilities

Hastings, Richard P., Allen, David, Baker, Peter A., Gore, Nick J., Hughes, J. Carl, McGill, Peter, Noone, Stephen J., Toogood, Sandy (2013) A conceptual framework for understanding why challenging behaviours occur in people with developmental disabilities. International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 3 (2). pp. 5-13. ISSN 2047-0924. (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:38741)

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Abstract

Background: To be able to define positive behavioural support (PBS), describe PBS interventions and clarify the individual and organisational competencies needed to support PBS, a clear underlying conceptual framework is needed to identify why challenging behaviours occur.

Method and materials: Non-systematic review and discussion of the state of research and theoretical evidence focusing on vulnerability factors for challenging behaviours, maintaining processes, and the social impact of challenging behaviour.

Results: Understanding challenging behaviour is related most strongly to context. First, challenging behaviours are defined in terms of their social effects. Second, vulnerability factors for challenging behaviour include some biological factors, but mainly psycho-social risks relating to the life situation and inequalities experienced by people with developmental disabilities. Third, social contextual processes are primarily responsible for maintaining challenging behaviours.

Conclusions: PBS is a broad approach to understanding and intervention referring to multiple contributing factors and processes. To describe PBS without reference to an underlying theoretically grounded conceptual framework would lead to an impoverished version of the approach.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled keywords: Challenging behaviour, positive behavioural support, causation, conceptual framework
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare > HV1568 Disability studies
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research > Tizard
Depositing User: Jo Ruffels
Date Deposited: 12 Mar 2014 12:29 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 12:51 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/38741 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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