Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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48th Annual Convention; Boston, MA; 2022

Program by : Sunday, May 29, 2022


 

Symposium #321
CE Offered: BACB
Diversity submission Applications of Behavior Analysis in Sustainability: How Small Steps Create Behavioral Waves
Sunday, May 29, 2022
9:00 AM–9:50 AM
Meeting Level 1; Room 103
Area: CSS/OBM; Domain: Translational
Chair: Julia H. Fiebig (Ball State University; AGI)
Discussant: Susan M. Schneider (Western Michigan University)
CE Instructor: Susan M. Schneider, M.S.
Abstract:

Climate Change and Human Health. What can Behavior Analysts do? Lincoln Kamau Carbon Purple and Autism Resources & Therapy Center of Massachusetts Abstract: Climate Change is the greatest single threat to human health on the planet today. Air pollution alone is estimated to cause 7 million deaths a year. That is at least double the number of people who died globally from COVID-19 in 2020 (WHO, 2020). B.F. Skinner was concerned with the application of behavioral science to solve important human problems, such as overpopulation, nuclear war, pollution, opportunities for minorities and more (e.g., Skinner, 1987, 1971/2002). He maintained that the solution to these problems required the modification of behavior and, therefore, a technology of behavior. Given the threat climate change presents to humanity, but also cognizant of the effective technologies’ behavior analysts have in their tool kit, this presentation will challenge behavior professionals to embrace a range of micro and macro-level interventions such as targeted feedback, environmental arrangements, group contingencies, renewable energy use, food production, waste recycling and reduction etc. to increase and improve sustainable practices. Behavior analysts will also be challenged to collaborate with other experts and policy makers to improve sustainable practices in a variety of areas including environmental conservation and preservation, renewable energy, emission control and transportation. The Environmentalist Behavior Analyst: Identifying Opportunities and Feasibility of Behavior Analytic Careers in Sustainability Julia H. Fiebig (Ball State University; AGI), Jessica Ghai (Boston University), Holly Seniuk (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) Abstract: The effects of climate change are primarily issues of social and environmental justice. They are symptomatic of a lack of sustainable and regenerative systems that could offer a stable social foundation for the entire population, without exceeding the ecological ceiling of the earth’s resources (Raworth, 2017). While most behavior analysts work within the fields of education and human services, a growing number of practitioners and researchers recognize the urgency to expand work into other sectors. Environmental sustainability is one area that continues to grow as a legitimate professional opportunity for behavior analysts. Given the complexity and urgency of this Super Wicked Problem, there exist a vast number of issues that behavior analysts can meaningfully impact. This paper presents the array of environmental sustainability issues behavior analysis can help solve as well as a systematic framework for those behavior analysts thinking of focusing their behavior analytic work on sustainability. An overview of an iterative process is offered, inclusive of values clarification, evaluation of situational needs and assets, and creation of an action plan. This process creates opportunity for the behavior analyst to consider how they may augment, or shift, their work to critical issues of environmental sustainability and justice. Meg Martineau (New England Behavior Analysts for Sustainability) The Ripple Effects of Committing to Sustainable Action at your Place of Work Abstract: One of the largest challenges facing our society is the climate crises, yet there are very few BCBA certificates where this is their area of focus. The primary area of focus for BCBAs continues to be in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (Behavior Analysis Certification Board, 2021). As the climate crisis unfolds, the demand for behavioral based climate solutions will continue to grow. Behavior analysts have the opportunity to make a significant impact on climate change initiatives at their place of work, home, or community. This talk will describe the implementation of a behaviorally based climate solution based on a community-based social marketing framework (Mackenzie-Mohr, 2017). This presentation will describe the implementation of a school wide composting program, discuss how behavior analysts already possess leadership skills in sustainability efforts, and describe the larger ripple effects created through targeted actions.

Instruction Level: Intermediate
Keyword(s): Environmental Sustainability, Justice, Sustainability Practices
Target Audience:

Intermediate: Individuals who are interested in learning more about how behavior analysts can become more involved with sustainability efforts. The talk will focus on immediate actions that can be taken to make a positive change and will also, look at long-term efforts of each author for improving sustainability practices.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify steps that they can take in their practice to incorporate sustainability practices 2. Identify the consequences of not using behavioral technology to sustainability practices 3. How to incorporate values clarification and committed action to get others involved in sustainability practices.
 
Diversity submission 

CANCELED: Climate Change and Human Health: What can Behavior Analysts do?

(Theory)
LINCOLN Z. KAMAU (Carbon Purple)
Abstract:

Climate Change is the greatest single threat to human health on the planet today. Air pollution alone is estimated to cause 7 million deaths a year. That is at least double the number of people who died globally from COVID-19 in 2020 (WHO, 2020). B.F. Skinner was concerned with the application of behavioral science to solve important human problems, such as overpopulation, nuclear war, pollution, opportunities for minorities and more (e.g., Skinner, 1987, 1971/2002). He maintained that the solution to these problems required the modification of behavior and, therefore, a technology of behavior. Given the threat climate change presents to humanity, but also cognizant of the effective technologies’ behavior analysts have in their tool kit, this presentation will challenge behavior professionals to embrace a range of micro and macro-level interventions such as targeted feedback, environmental arrangements, group contingencies, renewable energy use, food production, waste recycling and reduction etc. to increase and improve sustainable practices. Behavior analysts will also be challenged to collaborate with other experts and policy makers to improve sustainable practices in a variety of areas including environmental conservation and preservation, renewable energy, emission control and transportation.

 
Diversity submission The Ripple Effects of Committing to Sustainable Action at Your Place of Work
(Theory)
MEGHAN ELIZABETH MARTINEAU (Newton Public Schools)
Abstract: One of the largest challenges facing our society is the climate crises, yet there are very few BCBA certificates where this is their area of focus. The primary area of focus for BCBAs continues to be in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (Behavior Analysis Certification Board, 2021). As the climate crisis unfolds, the demand for behavioral based climate solutions will continue to grow. Behavior analysts have the opportunity to make a significant impact on climate change initiatives at their place of work, home, or community. This talk will describe the implementation of a behaviorally based climate solution based on a community-based social marketing framework (Mackenzie-Mohr, 2017). This presentation will describe the implementation of a school wide composting program, discuss how behavior analysts already possess leadership skills in sustainability efforts, and describe the larger ripple effects created through targeted actions.
 
Diversity submission The Environmentalist Behavior Analyst: Identifying Opportunities and Feasibility of Behavior Analytic Careers in Sustainability
(Theory)
JULIA H. FIEBIG (Ball State University; AGI), Jessica Ghai (Boston University), Holly Seniuk (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Abstract: The effects of climate change are primarily issues of social and environmental justice. They are symptomatic of a lack of sustainable and regenerative systems that could offer a stable social foundation for the entire population, without exceeding the ecological ceiling of the earth’s resources (Raworth, 2017). While most behavior analysts work within the fields of education and human services, a growing number of practitioners and researchers recognize the urgency to expand work into other sectors. Environmental sustainability is one area that continues to grow as a legitimate professional opportunity for behavior analysts. Given the complexity and urgency of this Super Wicked Problem, there exist a vast number of issues that behavior analysts can meaningfully impact. This paper presents the array of environmental sustainability issues behavior analysis can help solve as well as a systematic framework for those behavior analysts thinking of focusing their behavior analytic work on sustainability. An overview of an iterative process is offered, inclusive of values clarification, evaluation of situational needs and assets, and creation of an action plan. This process creates opportunity for the behavior analyst to consider how they may augment, or shift, their work to critical issues of environmental sustainability and justice.
 
Diversity submission 

CANCELED: Increasing Sustainability Behaviors Using Experiential Practices

(Service Delivery)
LAWRENCE PLATT (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology)
Abstract:

One of the biggest obstacles that we currently face in slowing down global warming is increased human consumption. Human consumption behaviors have increased greenhouse gas emissions faster than technology has been able to reduce emissions (Arto & Dietzenbacher, 2014). Popular opinion holds that humans will find a solution to greenhouse gas emissions, as innovation given environmental strain has historically been true (Harari, 2015). It is estimated that in 20 years the temperature of the earth will rise by 1.5?, which will result in increased heat waves, longer warm seasons, shorter cold seasons, and natural disasters (IPCC, 2021). One area of consumption that has drastically increased recently is food waste (Hall et al., 2009). Food waste is one of the largest producers of methane emissions, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (Miller et al., 2013). An intervention was piloted that looked at decreasing food waste by practicing contemplative practices aimed at increasing a sense of community with humanity and engage in less I/me/my behavior and increase behaviors towards humanity.

 
 
Poster Session #272
CSS Sunday Poster Session: Odd-Numbered Posters
Sunday, May 29, 2022
1:00 PM–2:00 PM
Exhibit Level; Exhibit Hall A
Chair: Kaston Dariel Anderson-Carpenter (Michigan State University)
Sustainability submission 59. Evaluating Changes in Pro-Climate and Anti-Climate Verbal Relations: An Application of Relational Density Theory
Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research
MEREDITH MATTHEWS (Missouri State University), Jordan Belisle (Missouri State University), Lauren Rose Hutchison (Missouri State University ), Caleb Stanley (Utah Valley University)
Discussant: Kaston Dariel Anderson-Carpenter (Michigan State University)
Abstract: Prior research has documented that relational behavior can impact purchasing patterns of consumers with potential implications for influencing earth's climate (Matthews et al., under review). In the present study conducted with 34 participants, we utilized procedures consistent with relational density theory to analyze how relational frames respond to environmental stimuli using a multidimensional scaling procedure. Patterns of relational responding based on climate impact were evident in the pretest multidimensional scale, where participants appeared to relationally frame events in terms of climate impact and organic versus inorganic elements; however other organization dimensions were present. Then, we conducted a stimulus pairing observation procedure (SPOP) to establish arbitrary symbols as either pro-climate or anti-climate-harmful. Following the relational training, we conducted the multidimensional scaling analysis using the same pro-climate and anti-climate stimuli. We observed the items collapse within the space into two dense classes based solely on Earth impact, and a closer view of dimension two shows similar latent patterns as in time one suggesting that those latent patterns remain evident. Results have implications for understanding how relational frames may self-organize around climate change and the relative influence of the environment.
 
Diversity submission 61. Meaningful Applications of Culturo-Behavior Systems Science to Social and Global Issues
Area: CSS; Domain: Theory
JOSE ARDILA (University of Nevada), Traci M. Cihon (University of North Texas), Kendra Combs (Sparks Behavioral Services), Richard F. Rakos (Cleveland State University), Kathryn M. Roose (University of Nevada, Reno), Sarah M. Richling (Auburn University), Holly Seniuk (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Discussant: Kaston Dariel Anderson-Carpenter (Michigan State University)
Abstract: Meaningful applications of behavioral systems science to social and global issues have been limited, largely due to lack of preparation and access to critical systems and limited conceptual guidance. In the Matrix Project, Behaviorists for Social Responsibility has worked for six years to address these limitations, emphasizing the potential for behavioral systems analysis to advance the underlying science. The Project currently includes active work groups in four areas: (a) development of a draft training and mentorship directory; syllabi and course units in areas of social importance; (b) development of state BFSR chapters, with strong emphasis on student involvement, and supporting individual student engagement in socially significant efforts; (c) examining options for increasing integration of behavior analytic data into state and federal policy; and (d) encouraging and disseminating information related to behaviorists’ involvement in activism and advocacy. The role of volunteers is increasingly emphasized for the advancement of the Project and training procedures for measuring volunteerism are being developed. These projects offer exemplars of the conceptual framework underlying and structuring all of these projects—a systemic integration of Goldiamond’s constructional approach and Lutzker’s ecobehavioral work, relying primarily on shifting interlocking and recursive patterns of antecedents (particularly SDs and motivative operations), reducing response effort, and accessing already established reinforcers.Meaningful applications of behavioral systems science to social and global issues have been limited, largely due to lack of preparation and access to critical systems and limited conceptual guidance. In the Matrix Project, Behaviorists for Social Responsibility has worked for six years to address these limitations, emphasizing the potential for behavioral systems analysis to advance the underlying science. The Project currently includes active work groups in four areas: (a) development of a draft training and mentorship directory; syllabi and course units in the areas of sustainability, diversity, education and other areas of social importance; (b) development of state BFSR chapters, with strong emphasis on student involvement, and supporting individual student engagement in socially significant efforts; (c) examining options for increasing integration of behavior analytic data into state and federal policy; and (d) encouraging and disseminating information related to behaviorists’ involvement in activism and advocacy. The role of volunteers is increasingly emphasized for the advancement of the Project and training procedures for measuring volunteerism are being developed. These projects offer exemplars of the conceptual framework underlying and structuring all of these projects—a systemic integration of Goldiamond’s constructional approach and Lutzker’s ecobehavioral work, relying primarily on shifting interlocking and recursive patterns of antecedents (particularly SDs and motivative operations), reducing response effort, and accessing already established reinforcers.
 
63.

Shape Up: A Review of the Effectiveness of Behavioral Interventions to Increase Physical Activity

Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research
ASHLEY SIMONE OWENS (Endicott College), Jessica Piazza (Endicott College), Anna Linnehan (Endicott College), Lisa Tereshko (Endicott College)
Discussant: Kaston Dariel Anderson-Carpenter (Michigan State University)
Abstract:

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is commonly utilized to address the core deficits of autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual disabilities. However, the use of behavioral change tactics has been demonstrated to be effective in increasing physical activity levels across intervention type and populations. Identified using the PRIMSA Model, 50 articles, which investigated the application of behavior analytic interventions to increase physical activity in individuals with sedentary lifestyles, illness, and/or disease, were included in this analysis. Various measures were delineated to evaluate the research including participant age and diagnoses, number of participants setting, experimental design, type of intervention implemented, treatment package or independent intervention, duration of intervention, and outcome and maintenance. The measures revealed 90% of reviewed experiments demonstrated meeting mastery level criterion, statistical significance, or high statistical significance. A review from this analysis also includes the effectiveness of utilizing behavior analytic interventions, behavior analysts’ responsibility to this area, current implications in involving behavior analysts in this specialized of application of ABA, limitations, and relevant areas for future research.

 
65. Analysis of Behavior Skills Training with the VirTra 300 LE Training Simulator to Increase De-Escalation Behaviors of Law Enforcement Officers
Area: CSS; Domain: Applied Research
DAYNA BEDDICK (University of West Florida), Leasha Barry (University of West Florida), Jerry Charvat (University of West Florida), Christopher Hinnant (University of West Florida Police Department)
Discussant: Kaston Dariel Anderson-Carpenter (Michigan State University)
Abstract: Law enforcement training and education in the United States vary remarkably. Although an associate or bachelor’s degree is not required in most law enforcement departments, decades of research focused on the education level of individual police officers (Roberg & Bonn, 2004). Many rebut formal education and cite work experience as the best mode of training for police officers (Bayley & Bittner, 1997), indicating that police work is an art to be mastered only by repeated experience in the field. As Paoline and Terrill (2007) surmised their argument “policing cannot be taught in a classroom but must be learned on the streets over time” (p. 182). While on-the-job experience is paramount, young officers cannot be expected to handle deadly force situations with neither the education nor experience. However, mimicking on-the-job skills training via simulators and a behavioral curriculum can equip officers with more effective training. This study is utilizing a multiple-baseline design across dyad participants to examine the effectiveness of a behavior skills training package, in conjunction with the VirTra 300 LE training experience simulator, to improve officer de-escalation behaviors based on a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS).
 
 
 
Symposium #338
CE Offered: BACB
Diversity submission It’s Getting Hot in Here: Individual Behavior Change Related to Climate
Sunday, May 29, 2022
5:00 PM–5:50 PM
Meeting Level 1; Room 156A
Area: CSS/VRB; Domain: Applied Research
Chair: Albert Malkin (Southern Illinois University / Western University)
Discussant: Albert Malkin (Southern Illinois University / Western University)
CE Instructor: Albert Malkin, M.S.
Abstract:

Throughout the last decade we have been experiencing the unprecedented effects of climate change, and although a systemic change is undisputedly necessary, individual behavior change has proven to be meaningful and is essential to prevent further depletion of natural resources and expansional increases in anthropogenic emissions. The first speaker will discuss a series of three studies analyzing the relational frames surrounding climate related purchasing using arbitrary symbols and a relational training task and was later visually depicted using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) procedure. The results of these studies illustrate consistency regarding an individual's climate related purchasing. Finally, using ecofeedback, the speaker will unpack the results of incentivization and climate related behaviors. The second speaker will discuss two studies, the first will analyze the results from a principal analysis of a 20-item list that identifies pro-environmental behaviors that significantly contribute to emission contributions. In the second study, the speaker will discuss the results from a correlational analysis that assessed the relationships between climate anxiety, psychological flexibility, and pro-environmental behavior. Climate change is a complex problem that requires innovative and complex solutions, and these studies together illustrate behavior analysts’ role in combating the climate crisis.

Instruction Level: Intermediate
Keyword(s): Climate anxiety, Climate change, Consumer behavior, Sustainability
Target Audience:

Behavior analysts, students, and faculty

Learning Objectives: (1) describe the role of human action in changing earth's climate; (2) discuss the interplay of climate anxiety and psychological flexibility in climate action; (3) discuss relational and contingency strategy to promote green consumption
 
Diversity submission Things are Heating Up: Influencing Consumer Behavior to Combat Global Warming
MEREDITH MATTHEWS (Missouri State University), Jordan Belisle (Missouri State University), Lauren Rose Hutchison (Missouri State University )
Abstract: Consumer behavior plays a centralized role in anthropogenic (i.e., human) factors that are causing accelerating rates of global warming. Moreover, consumer behavior selects practices of organizations that contribute the greatest emissions in the developed world. We developed a series of three experiments to evaluate relational verbal factors and contingency factors that could influence consumer behavior. The first study evaluated environmental purchasing following a relational training task used to establish arbitrary symbols as pro or anti-environmental. Participants completed a purchasing task before and after the relational training, and 6 out of the 7 participants significantly increased spending on the pro-environmental products as denoted by the arbitrary symbols. In the second study, we graphed these relational frames using a Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) procedure generating results consistent with predictions based in Relational Density Theory. Thus, there appear to be orderly patterns in participants’ relational responding around pro-climate purchasing. Finally, in the third study we evaluated a combined intervention that included self-monitoring of anti-climate and pro-climate behavior using a commercially available application to track consumption. Extra credit was provided contingent on improved performance in a changing-criterion design across participants. Results suggest that contingencies, in addition to relational verbal behavior, can effectively influence consumer behavior to impact earth’s climate.
 
Diversity submission 

Flight or Fight? Exploring the Relationship Between Pro-Climate Behavior, Climate Anxiety, and Psychological Flexibility

LAUREN ROSE HUTCHISON (Missouri State University ), Meredith Matthews (Missouri State University), Jordan Belisle (Missouri State University)
Abstract:

As our climate continues to warm due to anthropogenic (i.e., human) causes, natural disasters continue to increase in magnitude and intensity while climate migration and justice issues become increasingly salient. Human action is needed; however, experiential avoidance of climate action may occur along with high rates of anxiety about climate change. Climate anxiety can become maladaptive when it impacts an individual's quality of life, and arguably when it hinders their ability to engage in pro-climate behavior. In a first study, we developed a 20-item climate checklist from an initial list of 100 items. The results of a principal component analysis identified three factors where consumer behavior was most predictive of high emissions in our sample. In a second study, we evaluated the relationships between climate anxiety (Climate Anxiety Scale) , psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), and engagement in pro-climate behavior as indexed on the climate behavior checklist. Results support a psychological flexibility model of climate anxiety wherein promoting greater flexibility around issues of climate change could influence pro-climate behavior.

 

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