Which strategy focuses on teaching new skills and making environmental changes to reduce problem behavior?

Which strategy focuses on teaching new skills and making environmental changes to reduce problem behavior?

• A. Behavior modification
• B. Positive behavior support
• C. Contingency plans
• D. Social story interventions

Answer: (B)

The strategy that emphasizes teaching new skills and making environmental changes to reduce problem behavior is known as positive behavior support. This approach is grounded in the understanding that behavior is influenced by environmental factors and that teaching alternative behaviors can lead to more positive outcomes. Positive behavior support integrates various techniques, such as modifying the environment to reduce triggers for undesirable behaviors, teaching desirable behaviors that can replace the problematic ones, and reinforcing those positive behaviors to ensure they are maintained. In contrast, behavior modification focuses primarily on the use of reinforcement and punishment to directly change behavior rather than addressing the underlying skills or environmental contributions. Contingency plans deal more with specific consequences following a behavior rather than a comprehensive approach to teaching and support. Social story interventions are useful in teaching social skills and expectations but do not encompass the broader systemic changes that positive behavior support addresses. Thus, positive behavior support is the most comprehensive method when aiming to reduce problem behavior through skill development and environmental adjustments.

The strategy that emphasizes teaching new skills and making environmental changes to reduce problem behavior is known as positive behavior support. This approach is grounded in the understanding that behavior is influenced by environmental factors and that teaching alternative behaviors can lead to more positive outcomes. Positive behavior support integrates various techniques, such as modifying the environment to reduce triggers for undesirable behaviors, teaching desirable behaviors that can replace the problematic ones, and reinforcing those positive behaviors to ensure they are maintained.

In contrast, behavior modification focuses primarily on the use of reinforcement and punishment to directly change behavior rather than addressing the underlying skills or environmental contributions. Contingency plans deal more with specific consequences following a behavior rather than a comprehensive approach to teaching and support. Social story interventions are useful in teaching social skills and expectations but do not encompass the broader systemic changes that positive behavior support addresses. Thus, positive behavior support is the most comprehensive method when aiming to reduce problem behavior through skill development and environmental adjustments.