|
| Int'l Symposium - Cultural Issues in the Delivery of Behavioral Services |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
| Conference Room 3 |
| Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Robert G. Vreeland (Behavior Analysis & Intervention Services) |
| Discussant: David A. Eckerman (University of Brazil) |
| Abstract: . |
| |
| Contingency Shaping and Rule Governed Behavior Within Different Cultures |
| GENAE HALL (Behavior Analysis & Intervention Services) |
| Abstract: Behavioral interventions used with people with developmental disabilities often include shaping socially acceptable behaviors by means of positive reinforcement, removing antecedents for challenging behaviors, teaching individuals to control their environments, teaching replacement skills, avoiding reinforcement for challenging behaviors, and promoting independence. Such interventions appear to be compatible with cultural practices and values found in certain segments of middle-class mainstream White America. Nevertheless, many residential facilities for people with developmental disabilities are operated by individuals from other cultural backgrounds (i.e., from another country or a minority culture within the United States). In many cases, the entire facility may be staffed by individuals who share a common cultural background that differs from the mainstream culture. In these cases, staff members may have special difficulties learning to implement behavioral interventions, because those interventions conflict with their life-long cultural conditioning. This paper will discuss why cultural practices that seem to shape “challenging” behaviors may have more powerful effects on the behaviors of people with developmental disabilities, especially those with severe language deficits, than on people without disabilities. |
| |
| Cultural Issues in Providing Behavioral Services to Residential Facilities for Persons With Developmental Disabilities |
| ROBERT G. VREELAND (Behavior Analysis & Intervention Services) |
| Abstract: Our agency provides behavioral consultations to group homes that serve persons with developmental disabilities who display serious behavior problems. Many of these homes are staffed by individuals from a single cultural background. Some culturally based practices that do not seem to be problematic as they apply to mainstream members of the cultures from which they emanate may be counterproductive in residential settings that emphasize behavioral interventions. For example, it may be difficult for people from authoritarian cultures to provide verbal praise as a reinforcer. Staff from a culture that emphasizes nurturance often feed clients in an attempt to stop them from displaying tantrums or aggression. These practices are difficult for behavioral trainers and planners to overcome. Moreover, depending on the cultural background of the staff, the age or gender of the behavioral consultant may be an issue, and there may be language barriers as well. We have found it extremely important to identify staff that are bilingual and can act as translators and trainers of the other staff. It is also very important to recognize the cultural practices that are strengths in the context of effective behavioral treatment and to incorporate those strengths into the behavioral objectives and plans. |
| |
| Adaptation and Utilization of the Behavioral and Assessment Research System – BARS with Populations at Risk in Brazil |
| LINCOLN S. GIMENES (University of Brazil), David A. Eckerman (University of Brazil), W. Kent Anger (Oregon Health & Science University) |
| Abstract: In Brazil, as in many countries, inadequate protection from toxic agents used at work or in the home place many people at risk of toxic impairment of behavior. We have adapted the Behavioral and Assessment Research System (BARS) to provide valid measures of behavioral health in Brazil. BARS is a computerized testing system that utilizes a simplified 9-button keyboard as the response device. BARS uses behavioral principles to present instructions, provide training, and establish a criterion for performance before testing for toxic impairment begins. Our adaptation for Brazil uses instructions that are spoken clearly in Portuguese through headphones as well as displayed in writing on the screen. We have assessed performance of Brazilian workers and children who are at risk of harm by toxic exposure. In addition to a discussion of cultural issues in the adaptation of the procedure, we will report the results of our efforts to confirm the validity of this testing and will present data on the effects of chemical exposures on the performance. |
|
| |