Association for Behavior Analysis International

Behavior analysis has always sought to apply the science for the benefit of human welfare and interests. Perhaps because our subject matter is rooted in the individual organism, those applications in which we have been most successful in this endeavor have largely focused on contexts in which contingencies governing the behavior of individual organisms can be individually assessed and manipulated. While community, organizational, and social work in behavior analysis has taken initial strides into the task of influencing larger scales of behavior between and among many individuals, the science has not yet realized the anticipated potential of its early years in efforts to address widespread culturo-behavioral phenomena in a manner that can address some of our most pressing problems related to justice, sustainability, and equity. There is therefore a lingering opportunity for new research in this area to take few steps toward understanding how to better address such problems. In this symposium, we present some basic and translational empirical investigations into culturo-behavioral science recently conducted at the University of North Texas.

The metacontingency, a concept often used to investigate certain kinds of social interaction, is defined as the contingent relation between recurring interlocking behavioral contingencies (IBCs), together with their aggregate product (AP), and the selecting environmental events or conditions. The concept of the metacontingency has spurred the development of various conceptual papers and experimental studies. Researchers suggest that the "culturant" is the primary unit of analysis in the metacontingency. This culturant comprises interlocking behavioral contingencies and their aggregate product, functioning as a cohesive whole susceptible to selection. Because the culturant as an analytical unit functioning on the cultural level is not universally accepted among behavior analysts, a direct investigation into the question is called for. The behavioral approach toward identifying natural lines of fracture between units has historically involved applying secondary change processes to see whether natural units are affected as a cohesive whole. Our study asks whether classes of interlocking behavioral contingencies show the features of natural units within the metacontingency when exposed to secondary change processes. This talk will focus on the results of our study while also highlighting its implications in the study of phenomena consisting of multiple individuals.

Nobel laureate and economist Elinor Ostrom earned a Nobel prize in economic sciences in 2009 for her research on a community’s ability to self-govern a common pool resource (CPR) with the use of eight design principles. While Ostrom’s accumulated efforts to analyze these principles and apply them to community resources have earned widespread recognition, these principles have yet to take off on a grand scale as a blueprint for self-governance systems globally. There is also a gap in existing empirical evidence that supports these principles, as empirical investigations have yet to manipulate the principles individually or as an intervention package as independent variables. The purpose of the present study is to empirically test Ostrom’s eight design principles in a tabletop game model of a community utilizing a common pool resource by implementing as well as removing the principles within an adapted version of the board game Catan®. In four groups, the CPR almost always fully depleted in baseline but not when Ostrom’s principles were in place as game rules. Results indicated that Ostrom’s design principles may organize participant responses and maintain resource levels over time more effectively than without Ostrom’s rules applied.

The aim of behavior analysis has always been to apply technologies rooted in basic behavioral principles to problems of societal importance. One such problem is the Tragedy of the Commons - a phenomenon arising from systemic failures among a community, leading to the total collapse of a critical resource. Elinor Ostrom’s Eight Design Principles were developed to provide a framework for the self-management of common pool resources (CPRs). When applied as an independently manipulated variable, Ostrom’s design principles have shown strong effects in the management of CPRs within the context of a tabletop board game Catan®. This preparation included both rewards (i.e., positive reinforcement) and sanctions (i.e., positive punishment) as a feature of the independent variable. However, it has been well documented that punishing and coercive contingencies can lead to problematic outcomes for individuals and societies. This study evaluated the effects of utilizing only rewarding consequences in lieu of sanctions in an effort to produce the previously observed control over self-management of a CPR, utilizing the previously adapted rules of the Catan board game.

As autism prevalence continues to increase the average age of diagnosis is decreasing. A significant benefit of early diagnosis is access to early intervention, however, families caring for young autistic children, especially those in under-resourced communities, often experience barriers to accessing evidence-based services, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA). Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) law families can access Part-C early intervention services, but providers within that system often lack specific training in autism or ABA. Working with our state’s Part C system, we developed a partnership providing brief (six sessions) caregiver coaching sessions via tele-health following an autism evaluation. These sessions focus on introducing caregivers to the basic principles of ABA and coaching them to apply these strategies throughout daily routines. Data (n= 234 families) show that caregivers gained skills, children improved their social communication, and provider (n=80) and caregiver satisfaction was high. Group comparisons show that outcomes are consistent across groups (e.g., race/ethnicity, rural/urban location) with some outcomes significantly better for families from historically under-served groups. This community-based program demonstrates the possibility of a brief, sustainable model to increase caregiver skill and improve child outcomes when access to ABA services is delayed or not available.

The mission of Behaviorists for Social Responsibility Special Interest Group (BFSR SIG) is to expand applications of behavior analysis and cultural analysis addressing global issues such as social justice, environmental justice, and human rights. For the past several years BFSR has been using a matrix analysis (Biglan, 1995; Mattaini, 2013) to identify the practices that support, oppose, motivate, and select the development and utilization of scientific behavioral systems to address social issues. Upon identifying 28 societal sectors, work groups comprised of SIG members have been applying the matrix analyses to various issues of social importance. The symposium aims to highlight the work of two of those work groups, the Sustainability Work Group and the Public Health Work Group. Each of these presentations will provide an update on recent actions taken by each work group as members carry out the mission of the BFSR SIG and the matrix project. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

A basic understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of behavior analysis (i.e., principles of reinforcement) would support audience members in understanding the content discussed in this presentation. Additionally, while it is not required to understand, some knowledge of the Behaviorists for Social Responsibilities Matrix Analysis may be beneficial.

The purpose of the Behaviorists for Social Responsibility (BFSR) Public Health Work Group is to explore the intersection between behavioral science and public health. This Work Group explores the ways in which behavioral and public health scientists can collaborate and learn from one another to develop strategies that improve population level outcomes. Previous work by the Work Group includes creating a fact sheet for public health as an ABA subspeciality area for the BACB website, presenting posters and symposium at the ABAI’s Annual Convention, and developing a special section on human behavior and public health for Behavior and Social Issues. Currently, the group is collaborating with other BFSR chapters to facilitate communication and create learning opportunities, identifying faculty who may provide opportunities for students to work in public health areas, building a comprehensive database that contains information on behavioral friendly public health programs, highlighting people who are working in both public health and behavior analysis, listing language that is necessary to work in both areas, and creating panels and posters for behavior analytic conferences.

The Devereux Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (D-PBIS) model for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) was developed to promote a culture focusing staff on prevention, teaching, and acknowledgement in our residential programs. D-PBIS-IDD draws its theoretical foundations from applied behavior analysis, person-centered values, and trauma-informed care. Central to the model is the embedding of evidence-based practices across three tiers of support: universal, targeted, and intensive. Since the model was first developed and piloted in a Devereux Pennsylvania Center in 2013, the model has expanded to all of our programs with adults with IDD in six states serving over 1000 individuals with IDD in community-based homes. Data presented will be from the pilot Center which operates 75 residences serving 304 individuals. Because direct care staff provide universal interventions and supports, the model uses Behavior Skills Training (BST), a proven method of performance management for staff training. Training includes coaching, frequent integrity checks, and performance feedback by supervisors and clinicians. The BST model will be described and supported with corresponding implementation integrity data graphs. Additionally, graphs of key indicators of meaningful outcomes such as decreases in use of restraints and robust individual and staff satisfaction scores will be displayed.

As the demand for behavior analysts steadily rises, behavior analytic organizations face the challenges of their expanding size and complexity. This research explores the need for these organizations to incorporate assessments derived from Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) to enhance efficiency and sustain long-term viability. Despite the inclusion of OBM instruction in all ABAI Verified Course Sequences, a noticeable gap exists in the literature concerning the application of these assessments within behavior-analytic organizations. This study seeks to identify the barriers hindering BCBAs from implementing OBM best practices in service delivery. The research includes a succinct review of selected OBM assessments and outlines the methodology for developing a survey to comprehend the existing service delivery gaps. The survey results will be presented, shedding light on the current landscape of OBM utilization in behavior-analytic organizations. The findings will be discussed, providing practical considerations for those involved in service delivery, along with recommendations for enhancing training and competency. The research also outlines potential avenues for future exploration in this critical area. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving field of behavior analysis, emphasizing the importance of integrating OBM assessments for optimal organizational efficiency and sustained growth.

Despite the growing need for applied behavior analysis (ABA) in past years, the field has experienced persistent issues about the access and delivery of services to autistic communities. For example, high burnout, low job satisfaction, and low levels of workplace support for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) have been associated with high turnover, an issue that can lead to reduced staffing and delivery of applied behavior analytic services. Regardless of the growing number of burnout studies associated with ABA, more research needs to be conducted about the barriers (or facilitators) arising in the field today. For instance, LeBlanc et al., (2019) assessed barriers to effective caseload management indicating that barriers to treatment were overcome by having a good understanding of funding constraints, awareness of contingencies for adequate performance, and effective time management. As such, the authors recommended that systems at the macro/institution level can help overcome these barriers (i.e., can act as facilitators to quality case management). Given the suggestion that macro changes could facilitate overcoming barriers in ABA along with the lack of research on facilitators of effective ABA strategies, the purpose of this paper was to determine the barriers and facilitators of ABA practices from the perspective of BCBAs, behavior technicians, and assistant board-certified behavior analysts through a survey. These issues included having participants identify issues that keep them from performing their jobs at the micro (e.g., personal), meso (e.g., infrastructural), and macro (e.g., systemic) factors that may facilitate positive work performance or inhibit quality or quantity of services. Descriptive data was summarized using percentages. Implications of descriptive data are discussed as they relate to the improvement of the delivery and staffing of ABA services.

Previous research has shown low treatment integrity can lead to decreased effectiveness and efficiency of skill acquisition during DTI (Carroll et al, 2013). Pantermuehl and Lechago (2015) found that during covert observations, treatment integrity ranged from 18.6 to 76% whereas during overt observations, integrity was as high as 100%. This shows reactivity continues to be an obstacle within DTI service delivery. It is important to investigate how reactivity affects staff performance and identify ways to increase and maintain high integrity. Finding a socially acceptable, effective, and efficient method to increase and maintain high levels of staff treatment integrity when no supervisor is present is critical in the clinic setting. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of video self-monitoring in increasing and maintaining high treatment integrity for staff implementing DTI during covert and overt observations. Participants included four staff working one-on-one with children with ASD implementing DTI with less than 90% integrity during covert or overt observations. Results show video self-monitoring was effective at increasing staff treatment integrity and maintaining high integrity over time.

While empirical evidence supports adequate treatment integrity levels as an imperative component of facilitating client progress, training failures are an ongoing and pervasive problem in behavior analysis. Despite its recognition as an empirically supported training package, behavioral skills training (BST) is not consistently implemented in behavior analytic settings due to the response effort and time commitment associated with its implementation. Recent research demonstrates that pyramidal BST, which employs a train-the-trainer model, may be an efficacious and less resource-intensive iteration of BST. However, findings indicate that pyramidal BST in isolation may not be effective when implemented across staff members without a formal education in a related field. The current research evaluated the effects of pyramidal BST with enhanced visual instructions (EVI) on treatment integrity across staff without relevant educational experience. Findings demonstrated that following BST provided by the primary researcher, participant trainers acquired the ability to implement a BST package with 100% fidelity across participant trainees. Training provided by participant trainers was effective in increasing treatment integrity levels across participant trainees in the acquisition of a backward chaining procedure. Findings suggest that pyramidal BST implemented in conjunction with EVI can effectively increase treatment integrity levels across staff with diverse educational backgrounds.

When skill acquisition goals in treatment plans are individualized and achievable, the client (service recipient), parents/caretakers, and other stakeholders can access reinforcement related to mastery of goals. Insurance companies that fund the services also expect reasonable levels of client progress. A baseline review of the treatment plans prepared by 4 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) discovered that a low percentage (less than 80%) of goals were being mastered in each 6-month treatment period. Behavior Skills Training (BST) was conducted with the BCBAs to improve the preparation of individualized treatment plans so that 80% or more of the client's goals would likely be met within 6 months. Examples and non-examples were presented, and objective criteria were scored during BST. The BCBAs were provided practice opportunities with expert feedback until goal preparation skills were mastered. BST was also applied while reviewing each BCBA's treatment plans (e.g., goals not met, baseline, mastery criteria, data trend). Each BCBA was encouraged to self-score the criteria. During Baseline, the BCBAs met the criteria (enter 4 baseline data values here). Because client progress was a priority, a multiple-probe or baseline design was not employed. During BST, three BCBAs improved to 80-100% of the criteria and stayed at this level. One BCBA achieved this level in the second BST session. All BCBAs received 4-5 BST sessions. BST sessions were discontinued, and one maintenance check occurred. All BCBAs maintained their skills at 80-100% of the criteria.

Performance Management (PM) there a fundamental role in evaluating team performance, ensuring quality for the customer. This study aims to develop and evaluate the applicability of a PM system in an ABA service company. The supervisors evaluated the performance of the applicators, with more than three months of experience in the company. An internally prepared questionnaire was used, consisting of 59 questions distributed in nine areas: (1) therapist behavior in the presence of the child, (2) preparation of the learning environment, (3) organization of activities, (4) instructions for the client , (5) manage consequences, (6) prompt, (7) maximize progress (8) relationship, responsibility and professional behavior and (9) therapist behavior during supervision. Supervisors had 30 days to evaluate their teams after sending the questionnaire. Data analysis, carried out using inferential descriptive statistics, highlighted strengths such as superior performance in positive reinforcement (79%) and in relationships with families (88%). However, areas of deficit were identified, including partially predominant performance in differential reinforcement (50%), variety of teaching locations (42%), and frequency of supervision (33%). These conclusions suggest suggestions for continuous improvement in the practice of behavioraltherapists.

Opportunities to apply the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to sustainability efforts are all around us. The values of an organization are reflected, in part, by the impact of its actions on a broader cultural scale (Houmanfar et al., 2015). Further, the behaviors and practices supported by leaders of organizations can have a tremendous impact on employees, those they serve, and the greater community in which they are a part (Alavosius & Houmanfar, 2020). Thus, as the need for climate action grows more urgent, behavior analysts should capitalize on opportunities to produce meaningful environmental impacts and lasting cultural changes in the organizations where they practice. Panelists will discuss their experiences in implementing practical sustainability efforts in various practice settings including non-profit organizations, public schools, and community settings. Emphasis will be placed on tips to increase success and circumvent barriers, ways to scale efforts, the importance of gauging social validity and supporting buy-in, and including the recipients of our services in such efforts. The panel discussion will encourage audience participation.

Behavior analysts of all levels.

In this symposium, three training programs for researchers from Mexican universities based on behavioral analysis are presented and discussed: regarding their conceptual foundation, lines of generation and application of knowledge, their design and operation, as well as their evolution and the challenges they face to improve the quality of their educational programs. The first program describes the research lines of two research and training laboratories of the Faculty of Psychology of the Autonomous University of Mexico, In the second, the postgraduate program in Behavioral Science of the Center for Studies and Research in Behavior of the University of Guadalajara. Third, master’s degree in research in Psychology Applied to Education of the Universidad Veracruzana. Many of the faculty members of these programs are part of the Mexican Society for Behavior Analysis and the Mexican System of Research in Psychology. Likewise, several of them are members of the Association for Behavioral Analysis International.

Three general lines of research on human behavior that are developed in the Faculty of Psychology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico are presented as a sample of experimental and field work from multiple perspectives carried out in this institution. Remote Psychological Care for Mental Health in the face of Health Contingency due to COVID-19. The objective of the project is to evaluate the effect of the risk detection strategy, management, and monitoring, remotely, of mental health conditions on 5 thousand participants during and after the health contingency by COVID-19: through monitoring the implementation and validation of decision algorithms in psychological triage and linkage between levels of care, with information and communication technology. The laboratory of development and context of social behavior is directed to the experimental and field study of the mechanisms of regulation of social exchanges under representative situations of social dilemmas and processes of relevance in school and family environments. The Laboratory of Comparative Action and Cognition has been dedicated to showing contemporary advances in research in temporal control of behavior in both human and non-human organisms. Both laboratories investigate how behavior adapts to the temporal restrictions of the environment.

The postgraduate program in behavioral science at the University of Guadalajara was created as an initiative to train young people oriented to basic research and to approach phenomena related to behavioral sciences from an experimental methodology. The program is recognized by the Mexican government and is supported by the National Council of Science and Technology. Due to its characteristics and quality, the program has been of interest to both national and international students. Currently, the master's and doctoral programs in behavioral science have become an international benchmark as a program of excellence for training in basic research in behavior analysis and behavioral sciences. The Center for Behavioral Studies and Research (CEIC) is an academic space aimed at generating knowledge through the development of research programs and the training of new researchers. The postgraduate programs are integrated into laboratories that address the analysis of phenomena relevant to the study of behavior, both in non-human animals and in humans.

The purpose of this paper is to share with the academic community the reflections and foundation of a master's program designed for the training of researchers in psychology applied to education from the point of view of analysis of behavior. The exposition has the following sections: 1. The conceptual foundation. 2. Extension of basic science to applied psychology. 3. The Model of Individual Scientific Practice and the logical functions of language in the construction and application of knowledge. 4. Lines of Generation and Application of Knowledge. 4. Criteria for a program recognized for its quality. The program described has contributed to the training of 15 generations of students, since its founding in 1991. The greatest challenge has been to move from a curricular model focused on the method as a formal abstraction of scientific knowledge as a causal explanation, to another conception that gives priority to the psychological dimension of the task from a field logic

Behavioral Relaxation Training (BRT) according to Poppen is a behavioral and evidence-based relaxation method. It involves training the participant in relaxed body postures. The participant receives feedback on these body postures and learns to adopt these positions over several sessions to quickly induce a state of relaxation. With the Behavioral Relaxation Scale (BRS), BRT also provides an objective measurement method through which the state of relaxation can be reliably measured. Unfortunately, there are not many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of BRT. In addition, there are few comparative studies between BRT and other, more common relaxation techniques. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is one of the most widely used relaxation programs. Unlike BRT, PMR does not involve feedback from the trainer. On the other hand, it can be used more easily in group settings. In the present study, 20 subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. After an initial assessment, the participants took part either in BRT or PMR. BRS was taken at very session. BRT proved to be superior to PMR both in the treatment phase and in a subsequent follow-up phase. Subjective feeling of relaxation with the participants improved more in the BRT than in PMR group.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a transdiagnostic treatment with potential applications for addressing diverse mental health issues, including those affecting college students. However, a notable knowledge gap persists concerning the influence of DBT on cognitive processes, particularly decision-making, through brief interventions. This study sought to examine the impact of video-DBT skills training on decision-making tasks among college students via an online platform. A total of ninety-five participants, comprising 50 men, 44 women, and one non-binary individual, were randomly allocated to four core DBT skills groups. These participants underwent DBT training and were subsequently evaluated using three behavioral decision-making tasks: the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Delay Discounting (DD), and social discounting (SD). While intriguing trends in discounting rates and IGT performance were observable among various groups both before and after training, statistically significant differences were not identified either among the groups or within individual groups. Nonetheless, the study uncovered the potential of distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness skills in mitigating impulsivity and enhancing prosocial behavior. Furthermore, further investigation is warranted to explore the prospects of DBT skills training as a brief teleintervention, which could yield cost savings and enhance accessibility for a broader population.

As a relatively young scientific field, the research and ethical standards from the experimental to the clinical fields can present gaps in the translation from one setting to another. Clinical behavior analysis has shown significant growth in the field since 2014 which opens the need for additional training and collaboration between professionals. The Behavior Analyst Certification Boards Ethical guidelines are designed to ensure the field of applied behavior analysis as well as promote an environment in which the clinician and their clients are continuing to learn and grow. This symposium combined identified gaps in clinical behavior analysis including the need for diversity in behavior analytic training, to carrying significant workloads that increase behavior analyst stress as well as decrease the overall quality of services provided, and deficits in ethical training and the ability to access research-based resources. From the data presented in all three presentations, gaps as well as recommendations for future research and training will be identified.

Basic

The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2020) introduced ethical codes surrounding the use of social media for networking, consultation, and collaboration (5.10; 5.11). As social media policies and procedures are fluid to meet the commercial needs, it is difficult for ethical standards to reflect the continuous changes. Additionally, there are limited resources available to verify the validity of information presented on social media platforms. Behavior analysts are required to complete ethical continuing education units each recertification cycle; however, the topic is subject to their choice. This can serve as a barrier to behavior analysts who use social media as a method of training, consultation, collaboration, and networking through ABA social media groups. This symposium will provide information regarding modalities of research, training, consultation, and collaboration between behavior analysts. Based on the survey data results, the authors will determine gaps in training and adherence to BACB ethical codes within the applied clinical setting.

Behavior analysts continually assess the needs of clients and the community at large. Some behavior analysts have educated themselves and become public policy advocates at the local, state, national, and international levels. Across the world, behavior analysts are meeting with legislators to educate them on behavior analytic solutions to societal problems, including but certainly not limited to why people need behavior analytic services. Incorporating a behavior analytic perspective into policies supports best practices in many areas and creates a more humane, reinforcing environment for all. Papers published in the special issue of Behavior Analysis in Practice on public policy advocacy demonstrate how such work has positively affected society globally. Such work has involved credentialing and regulation of behavior analysts, funding for ABA services, and increasing service capacity. Panelists will discuss their public policy advocacy efforts, share lessons learned, and discuss implications for future efforts. Many behavior analysts may be unaware of the importance of being involved in public policy and advocacy and how they can make a difference for the benefit of society. Behavior analysts are urged to learn from the work described and adapt and apply it in their community.

This panel is intended for professionals who are certified at the Bachelor's level and above.

The panel discussion will encourage audience to participate in an active discussion on how our science of behavior and its practice can evolve to induce the well-being of individual organisms, organizations, cultures, and societies, interdependently. This panel, initiated by the Evolutionary Science Special Interest Group, will explore how and why evolutionary theory can help our field analyze the reciprocal complexities of human behavior and cultural phenomena from a natural science perspective. We will also explore how such analyses and nurturing cultural designing will induce more humane behavior of individuals and more socially responsible actions in organizations. Finally, we aim to discuss how such evolutionary and cultural engineering can help advance, disseminate, and integrate the science of behavior analysis across diverse disciplines, and foster collaborations that can ameliorate current societal and global threats. We invite all who are dedicated to advancing the science of behavior at any level of their careers and education.

Behavior analysts from various backgrounds and different areas of expertise at any level of learning and self-evolution.