A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Treatment of Aggression and Sexually Inappropriate Behavior in Mental Health

Abstract

A major strength of behavior analysis is the link between the assessment and treatment of problem behavior. However, the individual is rarely consulted about their definition of the problem behavior or regarding what, if any, behavior should be the target of treatment. A case study of a hospital-based treatment for an adult with serious and persistent mental illness who engaged in aggressive and sexually inappropriate behaviors is presented. Treatment involved a positive behavior supports approach based on the person's strengths. During treatment, incidents of sexually inappropriate behavior and acts of physical aggression decreased and reached near-zero levels within the first 6 months. Results of this person-centered approach suggest the value of withholding judgment prior to a complete assessment and enlisting help of the individual to develop treatment goals and strategies. This approach is recovery focused in terms of symptom and functional recovery as perceived and driven by the individual.