In the field of AppliedApplied means that the behaviors targeted for change in ABA... BehaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organ... Analysis (ABA), we’ve long operated under the framework of the four functions of behavior—attention, escape, access to tangibles, and automatic reinforcementAutomatic Reinforcement occurs when a behavior is reinforced.... This structure has provided behavior analysts with a reliable and effectiveEffective refers to one of the seven dimensions of Applied... way to assess, understand, and modify behavior. But what if we’re missing a critical element? What if some behaviors are driven by a need for something more subtle—like perceived controlControl in behavior analysis refers to the ability to inf...?
There’s growing interest and debate in the ABA community about whether control could serve as a fifth function of behavior. In this post, we’ll explore what perceived control means, why it might be driving some behaviors, and how considering this as a potential function could enhance behavior intervention plans.
The Concept of Perceived Control
Perceived control refers to an individual’s belief that they have the power to influence their environment, circumstances, or the actions of others. It’s a fundamental psychological need—people often feel more secure, confident, and motivated when they perceive that they have control over their surroundings.
In the context of behavior, this concept becomes significant. Some individuals engage in behaviors not for tangible rewards, attention, or to escape, but simply to exert control over a situation. This could mean controlling how others respond to them or maintaining autonomy in a setting where they feel powerless.
Examples might include:
- A child refusing to follow directions, not to escape the task, but to maintain a sense of authority over the interaction.
- A client insisting on doing tasks their own way, even when other methods might be easier or more effective, simply to keep control of the process.
Perceived Control as a Function of Behavior
When we think about behavior in terms of perceived control, it suggests a shift in how we might approach assessments and interventions. Traditionally, we categorize behaviors as serving one of the four functions—but what if the driving force behind some of these actions is the need to maintain or gain control?
For example:
- Noncompliance: Instead of noncompliance being solely an escape behavior, could it be the individual’s way of asserting control over the environment?
- Refusal to Share: This might not be about accessing tangibles, but about maintaining control over the possession.
- Tantrums: Instead of assuming tantrums are for attention or to escape demands, perhaps the individual is using the outburst to manipulate the situation and gain control.
Why Perceived Control Matters in ABA
Addressing perceived control as a function of behavior could be crucial for designing more effective interventions, especially for individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors that don’t fit neatly into the classic categories. Here’s why:
- More Precise Interventions: If we recognize that the behavior is driven by a desire for control, we can develop interventions that focus on giving the individual appropriate opportunities for control. This might mean offering choices or giving them more autonomy in certain areas.
- Empowerment Through Choice: Research suggests that when individuals feel they have control over their environment, they are more likely to cooperate and engage in positive behaviors. Offering choices and allowing for decision-making can reduce the occurrence of challenging behaviors.
- Understanding Function Misidentification: Sometimes, behavior may be incorrectly classified under other functions (e.g., escape or attention), leading to interventions that miss the mark. Recognizing that control might be a driving factor could prevent misidentification and enhance the success of behavior plans.
Incorporating Perceived Control Into Your FBA
If you suspect that perceived control might be driving behavior, here are a few ways to address it within your functional behavior assessment (FBA)A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a process used in ... and intervention planning:
- Observe the Context: Is the behavior occurring when the individual is asked to do something they have little say in? Are they reacting to situations where their autonomy is reduced?
- Offer Choices: Start by offering more choices during everyday activities. Track whether this change reduces the problematic behavior. For instance, instead of saying, “It’s time for math,” try offering, “Would you like to work on math now or after snack?”
- Manipulate Control Variables: In your behavior assessments, manipulate the environment to offer varying degrees of control. For example, give the individual multiple opportunities to make decisions and track whether this decreases challenging behaviors.
- Communicate Function Hypotheses: When presenting your hypotheses to caregivers or team members, explain that behaviors may be driven by the individual’s need for control. This helps everyone on the team understand the motivation behind the behavior and implement consistent strategies.
Shaping Positive Control-Seeking Behaviors
If perceived control is a function of behavior, the goal isn’t to remove the individual’s desire for control but to shape it in a more positive, socially acceptable way. Here’s how you can do that:
- Teach Self-Advocacy Skills: Rather than engaging in tantrums or aggression to exert control, teach individuals how to appropriately communicate their need for autonomy. This might include asking for help, negotiating when they need a break, or voicing their preferences in a socially appropriate way.
- Create Predictable Routines: Individuals often seek control when they feel uncertain about what’s coming next. Establishing a predictable routine and clearly explaining transitions can help reduce anxiety and the need for control-based behaviors.
- Reinforce Positive Control: When the individual engages in appropriate ways to express control, such as making choices or advocating for themselves calmly, reinforce this behavior with positive feedback or additional choices.
Final Thoughts: Expanding the Functions of Behavior
The idea that perceived control could be a standalone function of behavior is still up for debate, but it’s certainly worth considering in the context of your practice. By recognizing control-seeking behaviors and shapingShaping is defined as a systematic process in which success... them in positive ways, behavior analysts can improve the quality of life for their clients while ensuring interventions are more aligned with the individual’s true needs.
At the end of the day, understanding behavior is about recognizing the function behind the actions. Whether we’re operating with four functions or five, the goal remains the same: to develop effective, ethical, and individualized strategies that lead to meaningful change.