Altering triggers associated with problematic behaviour

Abstract

Helping people with behavioural difficulties is a multi-dimensional endeavour which requires a problem-solving approach. Which specific methods will be adopted for a given individual will largely depend upon the initial assessment and analysis of the problem. The previous chapter focused on interventions aimed at altering setting conditions which create or strengthen the motivations for particular outcomes and which then lead on to problematic or disturbed behaviour. The present chapter is concerned with the more immediate antecedents of problematic behaviour — its triggers. Interventions at this level aim to reduce the incidence of problematic behaviours by working directly on the trigger-action sequence. This contrasts with the work described in Chapters 8 and 10, which focuses directly on the action-result sequence.