2.2 How behaviour may be a symptom of something else

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 2.2 How behaviour may be a symptom of something else.

As support workers, it’s important to realise that challenging behaviour can often be symptomatic of underlying issues. These might range from health conditions to environmental factors, psychological issues, or unmet needs. By understanding the potential root causes, you can offer more effective and empathetic support.

Health Conditions

Physical Health Issues

Physical health problems can drastically affect behaviour. For instance, pain or discomfort can cause frustration or aggression. Conditions like arthritis, toothache, or chronic illnesses may lead people to act out because they can’t always communicate their pain effectively.

• Example: A person might become irritable due to persistent migraines.
• Action: Regular health check-ups and being observant of signs of discomfort can mitigate these behaviours.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, often manifest through challenging behaviours. These conditions can affect a person’s thinking, perception, and interaction with others.

• Example: Someone with anxiety might show behaviours like avoidance or restlessness.
• Action: Encouraging mental health support and understanding symptoms can help manage these behaviours.

Psychological Factors

Trauma and Past Experiences

Past traumas can leave a lasting impact on behaviour. People who have experienced abuse, neglect, or significant loss might express their distress through challenging behaviours. The trauma might also cause long-term emotional regulation issues.

• Example: A person with a history of abuse may exhibit aggressive or withdrawn behaviours.
• Action: Creating a safe and supportive environment can help alleviate some of these behaviours.

Stress and Emotional Distress

Stressful situations or emotional distress can result in unexpected behaviours. Daily stressors, such as financial worries, relationship problems, or workplace issues, can manifest through anger, irritability, or withdrawal.

• Example: A support worker might notice increased agitation in a client during a stressful period like moving house.
• Action: Identifying stressors and offering coping strategies can be beneficial.

Environmental Factors

Living Conditions

Poor living conditions, such as overcrowded spaces, lack of privacy, or unsafe environments, can trigger challenging behaviours. These conditions can cause frustration and affect mental well-being.

• Example: Someone may become aggressive due to the lack of personal space.
• Action: Improving living conditions and creating a more comfortable environment can reduce these behaviours.

Social Environment

Social interactions and relationships play a significant role. Being part of a supportive social network can improve behaviour, while isolation or negative interactions can exacerbate challenging behaviours.

• Example: A person who feels isolated might show signs of depression or anxiety.
• Action: Fostering inclusive and supportive social networks can help.

Unmet Needs

Basic Needs

Unmet basic needs, such as hunger, thirst, sleep, or personal hygiene, can lead to challenging behaviours. These needs are fundamental for well-being, and their absence can cause distress and agitation.

• Example: A person might act out if they are consistently lacking sleep.
• Action: Ensuring these needs are met can dramatically improve behaviour.

Communication Needs

People may also display challenging behaviours when they struggle to communicate effectively. This is often seen in individuals with speech impairments or language barriers. Their frustration in not being understood can lead to behavioural issues.

• Example: A non-verbal person might show aggression when trying to convey a need or feeling.
• Action: Implementing alternative communication methods, like sign language or visual aids, can be beneficial.

Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory Overload

Some individuals experience sensory processing issues, where they are either hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimuli. Sensory overload can cause someone to react with behaviours that seem challenging but are actually attempts to cope with overwhelming sensory input.

• Example: A person with autism might cover their ears and scream in a noisy environment.
• Action: Identifying sensory triggers and creating sensory-friendly spaces can help manage these behaviours.

Under-Stimulation

Conversely, under-stimulation can also lead to challenging behaviours. Individuals may seek out sensory input in ways that can be perceived as disruptive or problematic.

• Example: A child constantly fidgeting might be seeking sensory input.
• Action: Providing appropriate sensory activities can reduce such behaviours.

Cognitive Impairments

Learning Disabilities

People with learning disabilities may show challenging behaviours due to frustration stemming from their cognitive limitations. They may struggle with understanding or processing information, leading to behaviours that appear disruptive or aggressive.

• Example: A person with a learning disability might act out during a task they find particularly difficult.
• Action: Tailoring tasks to their abilities and providing additional support can help mitigate these behaviours.

Memory Problems

Memory loss, which can occur in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, can lead to challenging behaviours. The confusion and frustration of not remembering important information can cause distress and agitation.

• Example: A person with dementia may become aggressive when they don’t recognise their surroundings.
• Action: Using routines and memory aids can support these individuals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding that challenging behaviour is often a symptom of something else is key in providing effective support. By identifying the underlying causes—whether they are health-related, psychological, environmental, or due to unmet needs—you can implement strategies that address these root issues, rather than just managing the behaviour itself. This approach not only improves the individual’s quality of life but also enhances the support experience for both the worker and the person receiving care.

Example answers for unit 2.2 How behaviour may be a symptom of something else

Example 1:
I’ve noticed that behaviour can often be a symptom of something else. For example, one of my clients was showing signs of aggression and we found out that he was actually experiencing severe tooth pain. Once he received proper dental care, his behaviour improved significantly. This made me realise the importance of paying attention to potential physical health issues.

Example 2:
In my experience, mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can manifest through challenging behaviours. One of the individuals I support often becomes very irritable and withdrawn. After working closely with him and referring him to a mental health professional, we discovered he was suffering from severe anxiety. With the right support, his behaviour has started to improve.

Example 3:
I have seen how past traumas can influence behaviour. For instance, one of my clients had a history of neglect and showed very aggressive behaviours. By creating a safe and supportive environment and working with a counsellor, we were able to help him manage his emotions better, which led to a reduction in his aggressive outbursts.

Example 4: Environmental factors play a big role in behaviour. I supported someone living in an overcrowded house with little privacy, and he often seemed frustrated and agitated. After discussing potential changes with his family, we were able to make adjustments to improve his living conditions, which led to a noticeable improvement in his behaviour. Environmental factors are just one of the potential causes of behavior. By addressing the crowded living conditions, we were able to alleviate some of the stress and frustration he was experiencing. It’s important to consider all potential causes of behavior in order to provide the most effective support and intervention.

Example 5:
Unmet basic needs can also lead to challenging behaviours. I had a client who would often act out in the morning, and I discovered it was because he was not getting enough sleep. By working with him to establish a better nighttime routine and ensure he gets the rest he needs, his morning behaviour improved dramatically.

Example 6:
Communication challenges can result in behavioural issues. One client of mine was non-verbal and often showed signs of frustration and aggression. By introducing alternative communication methods like picture cards and sign language, we were able to better understand his needs and reduce his challenging behaviours.