Association for Behavior Analysis International

Measures of systematic social interactions are an effective way to evaluate contingencies between parent-child dyads in natural settings. Despite the utility of these measures, very few well established measurement instruments exist to validate the changes in these systematic interactions. The present study conducted a principal factor analysis of 38 cases of parent data collected using the Systematic Observation of Family Interactions (SOFI) instrument (Greene, 2020). Results revealed two main factors, with specific instrument target behavior clumping under these two factors. The findings imply that items under each factor with highest correlational values may be influenced by the same variables and as such, specific target behavior on the instrument may be eliminated to ensure a clear focus for data collectors. Further implications are also discussed while highlighting the utility of principal factor analysis in improving the focus of behavioral measures used in the natural environment situations.

Core stability protects individuals from injury and can support the movement of smaller muscle group movements such as hand, shoulder, and ankle movements (Kobesova et al., 2014). To strengthen the core muscles Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) paradigms can be used to train older individuals in core stability in the same order of infant development (Kobesova et al., 2014). The DNS model targets the natural progression of stability through functional movement pattern exercises such as the bear hold. In physical therapy, the bear hold is part of a progression to strengthen and correct major muscle groups to recover from and reduce risk of further injury. Physical therapy professionals use this exercise to target stability and is applicable in many cases to measure and increase strength with recovering injuries. While this exercise is quite common in physical therapy, there is usually confusion and frustration for the people receiving therapy about how to properly get into the position and maintain the correct form. Possible support provided during therapy includes verbal prompts for correct form or mirror image. The presented study will measure the correct body placement during a bear hold with verbal prompting compared to a video mirror image.

Purpose: We developed and evaluated an online training program for the mhGAP Intervention Guide. Methods: Nine hundred and seventy-five health professionals in Mexico were enrolled in the training program, most of them during the period of social distancing brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a pre-post online evaluation strategy including Knowledge screening, assessment of Learning Activities, and performance in Programmed-Simulated cases to evaluate knowledge and skills for the assessment, management, and follow-up of Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Disorders. Results: We found that participants improved their knowledge and skills from training on the mhGAP online course. Notably we observed these positive results regardless of sex, profession, institution, or social vulnerability rating of participants, suggesting that this is a relevant training program for primary care staff. Conclusions: These results contribute to the Mental Health Gap Action Programme and advance the use of online teaching and evaluation technologies in this field.

A common approach to address relationship dissatisfaction and problem behaviors within couples includes couple therapy. Few studies, especially within recent literature, have examined the application of solely behavior analytic methods to address problem behaviors with couples. The purpose of this study was to extend the use of functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans to the behaviors of neurotypically developing adults in committed relationships by teaching dyads of partners how to a) conduct behavior assessments, b) select evidence-based interventions and c) then apply the taught skills to target behaviors. Application of virtual didactic training as well as modules was implemented with couple dyads to teach FBA methods and intervention selection. Dyads self-administered FBAs and selected evidence-based interventions based on the results of the assessment. Results included that couples were able to increase their knowledge base of behavior analytic concepts post-training as well as demonstrated a decrease in rate per day of target problem behaviors. Cohabitation pre- and post-questionnaires indicated an increase in individual and partner roles as well as an increase in environmental satisfaction for four of six participants. Social validity measures indicated that participants found the training to be time sensitive and easy to follow. However, full assessment and ongoing data collection was considered to be more challenging to implement and require more response effort. These findings have important implications for extending the scope of application of ABA methods to a variety of populations.