WHAT IS A NON -LINEAR APPROACH WITHIN THE MEBS FRAMEWORK?
I wrote the below as a response to a query on why the term ‘’non-linear’’ is used as opposed to ‘constructional’ within the MEBS framework.
‘Non – Linear’ in ‘constructional’ approach is specific to contingency analysis the ‘non-linear’ contingency analysis goes to the root cause of public and private events. ‘constructional’ is the approach to changing consequential contingencies. ‘constructional’ approaches contain terminal repertoires, current relevant repertoires and resources, change procedures, maintaining consequences and monitoring of the program. As the approach develops a matrix of supports, these supports are nonlinear in their influence on the contingencies. So the term ‘non-linear’ applies to both the analysis and the support. The term ‘constructional’ applies to the overarching model inclusive of the analysis and support and is used to distinguish the approach from pathological.
The “‘non-linear'” approach in behavioural analysis focuses on understanding the root causes of both visible behaviours (public events) and internal thoughts or feelings (private events). The term “‘constructional'” refers to the method used to change behaviour by focusing on the consequences that follow actions within a matrix of support.
The 'constructional' approach involves several key elements.
- Terminal repertoires: The desired end behaviours.
- Current repertoires: The behaviours a person is currently capable of.
- Resources: Tools or supports available to help change behaviour.
- Change procedures: The methods used to modify behaviour.
- Maintaining consequences: The results or outcomes that encourage behaviour to continue.
- Monitoring: Determining the outcomes.
This approach creates a support system that influences behaviour in ways that are not always straightforward or predictable, hence the “‘non-linear'” aspect. The word “‘non-linear'” describes both how behaviour is analysed and how the support system works. “‘constructional'” is used to describe the whole model, which focuses on building up positive behaviours rather than focusing on problems (as in a more “pathological” approach).
I came across this news article which reminded me of the importance of supervision protocols for people who may wander unsupported and the tragic consequences of not having these protocols in place and training supports on them. I would encourage you to read this and keep in mind if your assessment identity’s a risk from behaviour what supervision support is required.
This is a teams link to some examples of work related to different types of supervision needs inclusive of assessment: post operative recovery supervision, sexual offending supervision and supervision and retrieval support for wandering.