Behavior Analysis Foundations II: Series of 4 one-hour events

Speakers: John Wesenberg, BCBA, LBA (Learn more about this speaker.) Instructor: Angela Coreil, PhD
CEU(s) Available: 4.0 ACE Event CEUs BACB Provider #OP-23-10436

Duration: 4, 60-minute events:
1. Behavior Analysis Foundations II: Functional Behavioral Assessment
2. Behavior Analysis Foundations I: Four-term Contingency
3. Behavior Analysis Foundations I: Clinical Behavior Analysis
4. Behavior Analysis Foundations I: Functional Assessment and Case Formulation
Modality: Online, video, on-demand

Overview: Behavior Analysis Foundations II

Session 1. Functional Behavior Assessment
Duration: 60 minutes

Abstract: We need parsimonious explanations for behavior, and it is our responsibility to identify the functions that behavior serves. Simply asking a person why they behave in a certain way, is not good enough. We must formulate a hypothesis and then test that hypothesis. In addition, to identify the potential effectiveness of a behavior plan, we must be able to enhance the effectiveness of reinforcement. To enhance the effectiveness of reinforcement, we must first identify the functions(s) that behavior serves in the person’s environment. Behavior Analysis does this by conducting a functional behavior assessment (indirect assessment, direct assessment, and a functional analysis). Clinicians are then best equipped to identify and teach functionally equivalent responses for behavior change.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain the importance of completing indirect and direct assessments.
2. Participants will be able to explain the benefits for finding the function of behavior(s).

Session 2. Four-Term Contingency

Abstract: For a true analysis of behavior, a clinician must consider the contextual variables within a person’s environment.  Therefore, a clinician must go beyond the three-term (antecedent-behavior-consequence) contingency. Establishing operations (EOs) were described most specifically by Michael (1993) as environmental situations that momentarily establish or abolish the effectiveness of potential reinforcing events, people, things, thoughts, emotions, etc. and discriminative stimuli that evoke behaviors most likely to gain access to those potential reinforcers. The four-term contingency (EOs-antecedents-behavior-consequences) serves to best understand the context that is “driving” a person’s behavior.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to explain what is meant be “context” in human behavior

Session 3. Clinical Behavior Analysis (CBA)

Abstract: Behavior analysis has a rich history in the efficacy of treatment for learning/ developmental disabilities and children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But there are other socially significant problems that can be addressed with the behavior analytic methodology. Clinical behavior analysis (CBA) applies the same conceptual and methodological tools to best treat mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and other anxiety-related disorders. Other common socially significant problems CBA addresses are depression, tic disorders, sleep disturbances, and impulsivity, just to name a few. Clinicians consider the thoughts, emotions, and cognition of individual clients to best address their needs and problems. Common third-wave behavior treatments include acceptance and commitment training (ACT), behavioral activation, and functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP).

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify different modalities of clinical behavior analysis. 

Session 4. Functional Assessment and Case Formulation

Abstract: Behavior analysis, as natural science, aims to explain and treat behavior by the most parsimonious and treatment-focused formulation. Behavior analysis emphasizes the current overt, along with the covert (thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc.) behaviors in the person’s current contextual environment. It is the goal to identify the current environmental independent variables and that can be manipulated (prediction and control) that have the biggest impact on the behaviors of interest to the person. Although, long, self-reported histories and data do have implications for case formulation and interventions, behavioral approaches focus on the importance of observing whether the contingencies described by the person can be observed and changed.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to apply functional analysis to case conceptualization.
2. Participants will be able to explain behavioral process involved in an example case.

John Wesenberg, M.S., BCBA, LBA is a behavior analyst and Director of Operations for Better Living Center for Behavioral Health, a multi-disciplinary team provider third-wave behavior therapies to individuals diagnosed with OCD and other anxiety disorders.

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