Positive behavior support (PBS) is a form of applied behavior analysis that uses a behavior management system to understand what maintains an individual’s challenging behavior and how to change it. People’s inappropriate behaviors are difficult to change because they are functional; they serve a purpose for them.
The positive behavior support process
These behaviors are supported by reinforcement in the environment. Functional behavior assessments (FBAs) clearly describe behaviors, identify the contexts (events, times, and situation) that predict when behavior will and will not occur, and identify consequences that maintain the behavior.
They also summarize and create a hypothesis about the behavior, directly observe the behavior and take data to get a baseline. The positive behavior support process involves goal identification, information gathering, hypothesis development, support plan design, implementation and monitoring.
In order for techniques to work in decreasing undesired behavior, they should include: feasibility, desirability, and effectiveness. Positive behavior support is increasingly being recognized as a strategy that meets these criteria. The three areas of deficit skills identified were communication skills, social skills, and self-management skills. Re-directive therapy such as positive behavior support can be very effective.
Positive behavior support is increasingly being recognized as a strategy that meets these criteria.