Managing challenging behaviour using applied behavioural analysis and positive behavioural support in forensic settings: A systematic review

Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) are frequently reported in the literature as successful interventions to reduce challenging behaviour. However, there has been no comprehensive review of the effectiveness of ABA and PBS within forensic settings. The purpose of this review was to systematically examine and synthesise existing research to investigate the effectiveness of ABA and PBS in forensic settings, and to identify any potential barriers and facilitators associated with implementing PBS.

Databases including PsychINFO, PsychARTICLES, Medline, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Criminal Justice Abstracts, were searched. ABA/PBS journals in the field were targeted with ancestry searches conducted to identify relevant articles. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Searches resulted in 29 articles that met the specific inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that behavioural modification techniques and behavioural analysis have been implemented within forensic settings with some degree of success. Although several challenges to the implementation of PBS were highlighted (e.g., barriers to collaborative work, inconsistent practice and a lack of resources). However, current research is limited and generally of poor methodological quality, significantly reducing our ability to understand the effectiveness of ABA and PBS in forensic settings.