BCBA, TRLC
- Apr 26
- 3 min read

Behavior Analysis: Can We, Should We, Do We?

You have no doubt heard about behavior analysis and how it can help change behavior.

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior. It involves identifying the environmental factors that influence behavior, and then using that information to design interventions that can increase desirable behavior and decrease undesirable behavior.

However, just because we can use specific behavior analysis interventions to change behavior, doesn't mean we should always do so. There are ethical considerations and limitations to this approach, and it's important to be informed.

Ethical Considerations of ABA

ABA involves changing behavior by manipulating the environment, which can be done in a way that is respectful and beneficial, but can also be harmful if not done carefully.

Pause & Think before implementing any intervention to ensure that any interventions used are safe, respectful, and in the best interests of the therapy recipient.

Limitations of Behavior Analysis

ABA is based on the assumption that behavior is primarily determined by environmental factors. However, human behavior is complex and influenced by many different factors, including biology, emotions, and social and cultural factors. This means that behavior analytic strategies alone may not always be effective, or may have unintended consequences.

Pause & Think: It's important to remember that behavior analysis is just one approach to understanding and changing behavior, and that it has its limitations..

Context Matters

It's absolutely critical to consider the individual needs and preferences of the recipient, as well as the social and cultural context in which they live. What works for one individual may not work for another, one may have a reaction to the intervention, that another didn't.

Who is the change for?

ABA interventions are designed to be person-centered and tailored to the individual's needs, preferences, and goals, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. ABA is for the good of the recipient, NOT the adults, parents, or teachers who may be involved in implementing the interventions or whose will benefit from the behavior change.

Pause & Think: Is implementing this ABA strategy to benefit me (as the adult) and to make MY life easier or is this to improve the quality of life for my loved one. If it's to benefit me and my needs, then it cannot and should not be done.

Final Thoughts

ABA is helpful and powerfully effective, but it is absolutely critical to be aware of its limitations and ethical considerations. It's important to Pause & Think before implementing any ABA intervention to ensure interventions are safe, respectful, and holds human dignity above all else.

Scenarios

Imagine you have a 3-year-old child who has a habit of throwing tantrums when you take away their toys. You may be tempted to put the child in a time - out (an ABA strategy).

Pause and think

A time-out procedure that involves placing this child in a room may be traumatic and harmful, Am I prepared to be responsible for this potential consequence?
Is it possible that the behavior is being influenced by other factors, such as hunger or fatigue? Did I think of this?
Is the behavior occurring in response to a specific situation or trigger?
Is there a way to address the underlying cause of the behavior, rather than simply addressing the behavior itself?
Am I just annoyed or am I taking out my frustration on my child?

Suppose you have an 11-year-old child who struggles with staying focused during their online classes. As a parent or teacher, you may be tempted to implement a behavior change procedure, such as a token economy system, to increase their focus and attention.