Exploring Choice, Self Determination, and Contingency Pathways in Therapeutic Environments: Promoting Autonomy and Reducing Harm

Contact information

First name

Last name

Email for order confirmation

We'll send your receipt and other important info to this email.

Your price

$60

Order summary

Exploring Choice, Self Determination, and Contingency Pathways in Therapeutic Environments: Promoting Autonomy and Reducing Harm

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), consent, assent, assent withdrawal, therapeutic alliance, and compassion play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment. We understand the importance of these factors in fostering trust, respect, and collaboration. Recent research has shed light on the critical role of choice and assent in promoting positive outcomes in therapeutic settings.

The Enhanced Choice Model (Rajaraman, 2021) offers a promising framework for promoting self-determination in therapeutic environments. This model emphasizes the provision of multiple contingency pathways, which allow individuals to make choices and participate actively in their treatment, even trial by trial. These pathways include options such as participating in treatment with differential reinforcement, accessing reinforcers non-contingently, and even leaving the therapeutic space if needed. Research findings have consistently shown that individuals often prefer participating in treatment conditions when given these choices.

Recent studies have further highlighted the importance of choice and assent in various aspects of ABA. Research on consent, assent withdrawal (Breaux, 2023) trauma-informed behavior analysis (Rajaraman, 2022), nurturing relationships as a buffer (Kolu, 2023), and compassionate care consistently emphasize the value of empowering individuals by giving them a say in their treatment. However, challenges exist in implementing choice, self-determination, and creating multiple contingency pathways in practice. We recognize the need to address these challenges head-on and find practical solutions that prioritize individual autonomy.

Our discussion on this topic will focus on key learning objectives in the Ethics, Supervision, and Learning domains. We will explore the significance of creating helpful, equitable, and workable contingency pathways in different treatment contexts, including home, general education, special education, and center-based settings. By reducing harm, increasing self-determination, and developing workability through access to various contingency pathways, we can improve the effectiveness and social validity of our application of the science. Additionally, we will discuss the training and data collection systems required to support the successful implementation of multiple contingency paths in context.

Incorporating choice, self-determination, and contingency pathways in therapeutic environments holds immense significance for promoting self-determination, reducing harm, and enhancing the effectiveness and social validity of our practices. By embracing the research and insights available, we can lean in with willingness to create more inclusive and empowering therapeutic environments. Let us continue to explore and implement these concepts, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to find workability and take doable steps towards a meaningful life.

$60

Total due $60