The Function (or Purpose) of Behaviour
It can be easy to witness a “behaviour” unfold, such as aggression, absconding, or anxiety and consider that it is “just the way a person is”. However, every behaviour has a “function” or a “purpose”. By identifying what the function is, we can navigate the situation, and determine the best way to address it. But, let’s start off with a specific definition.
In the context of Positive Behavior Support (PBS), the phrase “function of behaviour” refers to the underlying reason or purpose that drives a person’s behaviour, especially when that behaviour is challenging or problematic. PBS is an approach used to understand and address challenging behaviours in individuals, particularly in those who have experienced developmental challenges in relation to their physical health, mental health, cognitive and/or intellectual growth. Instead of attempting to eliminate or suppress problematic behaviours, PBS aims to identify and address the root causes or functions of these behaviours.
There are typically four main functions of behaviour recognized in PBS. A common acronym that we use to refer to this is that EVERYBODY E.A.T.S + C.
E is for escape, A is for attention, T is for tangible, S is for sensory and C is for control. To understand the function, we ask ourselves the following key questions.
1. For ESCAPE, is a person trying to avoid or disengage in a triggering situation?
2. For ATTENTION, is a person trying to engage with something or someone in order to be seen? For example, is a person acting out when others are present to have the attention solely on them?
3. For TANGIBLE, is a person trying to gain access to a particular object or activity? For instance, are they engaging in tantrum-like behaviour to access a specific object?
4. For SENSORY, does the behaviour the person is engaging in result in positive stimulation, or does it avoid engaging in negative stimulation? For example, are they hitting themselves to achieve some kind of ‘relief’, or are they engaging in repetitive hand-flapping to achieve sensory stimulation?
5. For CONTROL, is a person trying to lead, have power or ‘be in charge’ of a situation?
Understanding the function of behaviour is crucial in PBS, as it helps practitioners and the person’s care team, to develop more effective and positive strategies for addressing these behaviours. Instead of simply reacting to the behaviour, PBS seeks to modify the environment, teach alternative skills, and provide appropriate supports to address the underlying needs that drive the behaviour. This approach promotes a more compassionate and constructive way of managing challenging behaviours and improving the individual’s overall quality of life.