Challenging behaviour: the causes (part II)
| Published date | 07 September 2012 |
| Date | 07 September 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281211261122 |
| Pages | 236-248 |
| Author | Stella Koritsas,Teresa Iacono |
| Subject Matter | Education,Health & social care |
Challenging behaviour: the causes (part II)
Stella Koritsas and Teresa Iacono
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the dominant approaches used to explain
causes of challenging behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is the second in a two-part series. It presents the causes
of challenging behaviour according to the three theoretical approaches that have dominated the
literature: applied behaviour analysis; biological factors; and psychiatric disorders.
Findings – It is apparent that the causes of challenging behaviour are likely to be complex and involve
multiple factors. The approaches that have dominated the literature focus on single causes and do not
explore possible interactions between various causes. Given the shortcomings of existing approaches,
a fourth approach, the biopsychosocial model, is proposed as an alternative model to explain the
causes of challenging behaviour.
Originality/value – This paper is the most recent of only a few providing an overview of the various
approaches that seek to explain the causes of challenging behaviour.
Keywords Challenging behaviour, Adults, Intellectual disability, Causes, Review, Learning disabilities
Paper type General review
Introduction
This article is the second in a two-part series exploring challenging behaviour, its prevalence
and risk factors, and causes. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the models or
theories that have been used to explain the causes of challenging behaviour. Among many
causes, challenging behaviour has been reported to:
Brepresent a form of communication (Carr and Durand, 1985; Durand, 1986; Iwata et al.,
1982);
Bbe caused by skills deficits (Matson and Boisjoli, 2008);
Bbe associated with psychiatri c disorder or symptoms (Hemmings et al .,2006;
Meins, 1995), or physical illness (Carr and Smith 1995, 1985; O’Reilly, 1997); or
Bdevelop through operant conditioning and reinforcement (Dunlap et al., 2008).
It is clear that many causes have been identified. These causes can be grouped into three
broad theoretical approaches that have dominated the literature:
1. applied behaviour analysis (ABA);
2. biological factors; and
3. psychiatric disorders.
Each of these approaches is described below.
PAGE 236
j
ADVANCES IN MENTALHEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
j
VOL. 6 NO. 5 2012, pp. 236-248, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 DOI 10.1108/20441281211261122
Stella Koritsas is Senior
Research Fellow at The
Centre for Developmental
Disability Health Victoria,
Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia.
Teresa Iacono is Professor
of Rural and Regional Allied
Health, La Trobe Rural
Health School, La Trobe
University, Bendigo,
Australia.
To continue reading
Request your trial