Risk Of Behavior Analysis Essay

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A risk is defined as the potential for harm, loss, or injury. General risk factors in behavior analysis include anything that could cause harm to the client, the mediator, a bystander, the BCBA, or the profession of behavior analysis. Sometimes behavior analysts will encounter risks in the form of the target behavior itself (e.g., feeding disorders or aggression). Behavior analysts who are only moderately experienced with severely dangerous behaviors may make a small error that could result in hospitalization for someone involved in the treatment program. Other risks could form as a result of too few staff to implement procedures correctly, as a result of an inappropriate setting, or as a result from a lack of support for the treatment procedure. Mediators can add to the risk of an intervention if they are not trained properly or if they fail to correctly implement the treatment. The behavior analyst should consider the risks to others as well. For example, if a treatment will produce emotional responses or bursts of a dangerous behavior, the behavior analyst should consider whether this will cause harm to anyone else in the environment and attempt to modify the environment to eliminate those risks (e.g., adding more staff until the behavior is under control).

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Behavior analysts can avoid future conflicts by educating those they interact with about the code. A behavior analyst may say “I’m sorry, I don’t accept gifts” but this may lead to more questions or the other person thinking that she is rude for declining a present. By briefly mentioning the ethical code, the behavior analyst can make it clear that she is bound by a code that prevents certain behaviors. Should a similar situation occur in the future with the same person, she may expand on the ethical code, thus helping her maintain a professional and ethical relationship with the

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