2.3 The impact of reactive strategies in supporting positive behaviour

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 2.3 The impact of reactive strategies in supporting positive behaviour.

As a support worker, understanding the full impact of reactive strategies on positive behaviour is essential. Reactive strategies are immediate responses to challenging behaviour. They differ from proactive strategies, which focus on preventing challenging behaviour. Here, you’ll gain insight into the various aspects of how reactive strategies can affect the support you provide and the behaviour of the individuals you support.

What Are Reactive Strategies?

Reactive strategies refer to the actions taken in response to challenging behaviour as it occurs. These behaviours can include aggression, self-injury, or verbal outbursts.

As a support worker, your role involves implementing these methods to manage and de-escalate challenging situations. Examples of reactive strategies include:

• Verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Physical intervention (as a last resort).
• Temporarily moving the individual to a safer environment.

Immediate Impact on Behaviour

The primary goal of reactive strategies is to ensure immediate safety for the individual and others around them.

Short-Term Results

• Safety: Reactive strategies can immediately prevent harm. For example, guiding someone away from a dangerous situation can protect them and others.
• Calmness: Using calming techniques, such as talking in a soothing voice or offering a preferred object, can reduce the individual’s anxiety and help de-escalate the situation.

However, while reactive strategies can manage the immediate incident, they do not address the underlying cause of the behaviour.

Long-Term Impact

Using reactive strategies repeatedly without understanding and addressing the root causes of behaviour can have negative long-term effects.

Potential Negative Consequences

• Dependence: The individual may become reliant on your intervention, rather than learning to manage their behaviour independently.
• Escalation: If not used properly, reactive strategies can inadvertently reinforce challenging behaviour. For example, if a child receives attention only when they act out, they may continue to exhibit that behaviour.
• Stress: Frequent use of reactive strategies can be stressful for both the support worker and the individual. This stress can strain your relationship with the person you support.

Supporting Positive Behaviour

Although reactive strategies are essential in immediate response scenarios, they should be part of a broader plan that includes proactive and positive behaviour support strategies.

Integrating Reactive and Proactive Strategies

• Holistic Approach: Combining reactive strategies with proactive measures ensures you’re not just managing behaviour as it happens but also working to reduce its occurrence in the future.
• Consistency: Using clear, consistent strategies and responses helps create a predictable environment. This predictability can reduce anxiety for the individual and the likelihood of challenging behaviour.

Best Practices

Implementing reactive strategies effectively requires understanding, training, and experience.

Training and Knowledge

• Training: Ensure you receive comprehensive training in handling challenging behaviours. This training should include both reactive techniques and broader behavioural support strategies.
• Understanding the Individual: Each person is unique. Learn about the specific triggers and preferences of the individual you support. Personalised strategies are more effective.

Documentation

• Incident Reports: Document incidents meticulously. Record what happened, how you responded, and the outcome. This information is valuable for assessing the effectiveness of the strategies and improving future responses.
• Review and Reflection: Regularly review incidents with your team. Look for patterns and consider whether different strategies might be more effective.

Ethical Considerations

Your approach should always respect the dignity and rights of the individuals you support.

Least Restrictive Practice

• Minimising Intervention: Use the least intrusive methods possible that are still effective in ensuring safety.
• Respect and Dignity: Always treat individuals with respect. Even in challenging situations, their dignity should never be compromised.

Collaborative Approach

Work collaboratively with your team and other professionals.

Team Support

• Consistency: Ensure all team members understand and apply the same strategies. Inconsistent responses can confuse the individual and exacerbate challenging behaviour.
• Support Networks: Engage with other professionals such as psychologists or behaviour specialists for additional support and guidance.

Final Thoughts

Reactive strategies play an important role in managing immediate challenging behaviour and ensuring safety. However, their effectiveness and ethical application depend on understanding, training, and a collaborative approach. By integrating reactive strategies within a broader framework of proactive and positive behaviour support, you can not only address immediate challenges but also contribute to long-term positive outcomes for the individuals you support.

Remember, every interaction is a learning opportunity. Use these experiences to refine your approach, ensuring that your practice continually changes to meet the needs of those you support effectively and compassionately.

Example answers for unit 2.3 The impact of reactive strategies in supporting positive behaviour

Example Answer 1

As a support worker, I understand that reactive strategies are essential in maintaining safety and managing challenging behaviours. For instance, during one incident, I had to use verbal de-escalation techniques when an individual became agitated. I spoke calmly and acknowledged their feelings, which helped to lower their anxiety.

Example Answer 2

In my experience, reactive strategies can sometimes lead to dependency. When a person frequently receives immediate attention for challenging behaviour, they might start to rely on that response. This was the case with one individual I support who would purposely act out to gain attention.

Example Answer 3

I have found that integrating reactive strategies with proactive measures works best. For example, after responding to a physical outburst by guiding the individual to a safer space, I later used proactive strategies like setting clear expectations and structured activities to reduce the risk of future incidents.

Example Answer 4

Training is important for effectively implementing reactive strategies. I attended a comprehensive training program that taught me how to use both verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques. This training has given me the confidence to manage challenging situations safely and effectively.

Example Answer 5

Documentation plays a key role in evaluating the impact of reactive strategies. After each incident, I meticulously document what triggered the behaviour, the steps I took, and the outcome. This has been invaluable for team discussions and refining our approach to behaviour management.

Example Answer 6

Ethical considerations are always at the forefront of my practice. I ensure that the strategies I use are the least intrusive and always respect the individual’s dignity. For instance, I opt for verbal redirection before considering any physical intervention, adhering to the principle of the least restrictive practice.