Using Structural Analysis to Facilitate Treatment of Aggression and Noncompliance in a Young Child At-Risk for Behavioral Disorders

This study examined the use of structural analysis as part of assessment-based intervention. The participant, JB, was a 4-year-old boy whose noncompliance and aggressive behavior put him at risk for behavioral disorders and expulsion from his childcare center. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved an assessment that included structured interviews and observations, hypothesis development, and hypothesis testing within the context of typically occurring routines and activities in the childcare. Phase 2 consisted of an assessment-based intervention that was implemented by the childcare staff. The intervention immediately reduced JB's noncompliance and aggressive behavior. These gains were maintained throughout the study and received high acceptability ratings from the staff who carried out the treatment. Implications are presented regarding the efficacy of interventions based on data gained through structural analyses of problem behavior to prevent the development of behavioral disorders.