Understanding the “Why”: The Function of Behaviour

One of the most profound shifts in thinking when adopting a PBS approach is moving away from judging behaviour and towards understanding its purpose. Behaviour is a form of communication. When a person displays behaviour that challenges, it is often a signal that an unmet need exists or that their environment is not meeting their requirements (Gore et al., 2013).

This is known as the function of behaviour. The science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which provides the evidence base for PBS, teaches us that all behaviour serves a purpose for the person performing it. This purpose might be to:

• Gain attention: To get a reaction from a carer, peer, or family member.
• Escape or avoid: To get out of a difficult or undesirable situation, activity, or social demand.
• Gain access to a tangible item or activity: To get a desired object, food, or activity.
• Receive sensory feedback: To get a certain feeling or stimulation (e.g., rocking, humming).

By conducting a thorough functional assessment, professionals can analyse the context—the antecedents, the behaviour, and the consequences—to identify the specific function. This assessment provides the crucial insight needed to develop a support plan that addresses the person’s needs in a more positive and effective way.

The Pillars of Positive Behaviour Support

PBS is built on a set of core principles that guide its practice:

Person-Centred and Values-Led

PBS is fundamentally about the individual. It prioritises their unique needs, preferences, and goals, respecting their dignity and promoting their rights (NHS England, 2015).

Proactive and Preventative

Instead of waiting for a challenging incident to occur, PBS focuses on preventing it by understanding triggers and teaching new skills.

Evidence-Based Practice

PBS draws on the science of applied behaviour analysis and integrates it with a human rights and values-based approach, supported by a growing body of research (Konstantinidou et al., 2023).

Multicomponent Interventions

A PBS plan is never a single action but a comprehensive framework of interventions. It typically includes:

• Proactive Strategies: Adapting the environment and context to make behaviour that challenges unnecessary.
• Skill-Building: Teaching the individual new skills (like communication or coping strategies) that are a more effective way of meeting their needs.
• Reactive Strategies: A plan for responding safely and effectively if a behaviour of concern does occur, with a focus on de-escalation and minimising restriction.

The Positive Impact of a Proactive Approach

The benefits of adopting a PBS approach are far-reaching. When we understand the function of behaviour and proactively address underlying needs, we see a significant reduction in the reliance on restrictive interventions (Mulligan et al., 2023). This not only improves safety and well-being but also fosters trust and stronger relationships between individuals and their support network.

Ultimately, the goal of PBS is to teach new, more effective skills that serve the same function as the behaviour that challenges. By looking past the surface of behaviour and asking “why,” we can truly support people in developing new skills and creating a future filled with positive opportunities.