Langdon Nancy A, Carr Edward G, Owen-Deschryver Jamie S
State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
Behav Modif. 2008 Nov;32(6):804-27. doi: 10.1177/0145445508317943. Epub 2008 May 2.
Precursor behaviors are innocuous behaviors that reliably precede the occurrence of problem behavior. Intervention efforts applied to precursors might prevent the occurrence of severe problem behavior. We examined the relationship between precursor behavior and problem behavior in three individuals with developmental disabilities. First, a descriptive (correlational) assessment focusing on transitional probabilities, which established that problem behavior typically followed precursor behavior, was conducted. Next, a functional (experimental) analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between precursor and problem behavior. Results suggested that these two behaviors served the same function. Finally, in the intervention phase, participants were taught a response that was functionally equivalent to the precursor behavior. Results demonstrated a decrease in the frequency of problem behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that prevention efforts might profitably be focused on precursor behavior. Further implications for the use of functional analysis and functional communication training in prevention are discussed.
先兆行为是可靠地先于问题行为出现的无害行为。针对先兆行为采取的干预措施可能会预防严重问题行为的发生。我们研究了三名发育障碍个体的先兆行为与问题行为之间的关系。首先，进行了一项侧重于过渡概率的描述性（相关性）评估，该评估确定问题行为通常跟随先兆行为出现。接下来，进行了一项功能性（实验性）分析，以评估先兆行为与问题行为之间的关系。结果表明这两种行为具有相同的功能。最后，在干预阶段，教导参与者做出一种在功能上等同于先兆行为的反应。结果显示问题行为的频率有所下降。总体而言，这些结果表明预防措施可能有益地聚焦于先兆行为。文中还讨论了功能分析和功能性沟通训练在预防中的进一步应用。
