Controlling for Environment and Perceptions in Studies of Behavior of People with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This article examines definitions and perceptions of problematic behavior and negative labeling by persons employed in residential facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. The research is particularly concerned with perceptions of challenging behaviors across residential settings and whether individuals are differentially labeled as problematic as a function of factors other than behavior. Using 16 challenging behavior items revised (Fullerton, Douglass, & Dodder, 1999) from the Adaptive Behavior Scale (Nihira, Foster, Shellhaas, & Leland, 1974), this research analyzed the extent to which caregivers in institutions viewed challenging behaviors similarly to caregivers in community settings. Results suggest that although caregivers working in institutions may view challenging behaviors as less problematic than caregivers in the community, they vary on the degree to which the behavior is perceived to be problematic. Because caregivers usually provide the research data about individuals with developmental disabilities, the discussion suggests that studies addressing behavior abilities need to consider variation in perceptions and the resulting impact upon the data.