5.2. Evaluate different approaches to supporting positive behaviour

This guide will help you answer 5.2. Evaluate different approaches to supporting positive behaviour.

Supporting positive behaviour is a cornerstone of working with children and young people. It helps create an environment where every child feels respected, supported, and able to thrive. There are several approaches professionals can use to encourage and sustain positive behaviour. Each approach has its strengths and considerations, and the choice will depend on the individual child’s needs and the context. In this guide, we provide an evaluation of different approaches to supporting positive behaviour.

Behaviourist Approach

The behaviourist approach focuses on reinforcement and consequences to shape behaviour. It is based on the principle that positive behaviours can be encouraged through rewards, while undesirable behaviours can be reduced through appropriate consequences.

This approach often includes:

• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding good behaviour such as praising or using tangible rewards (e.g., stickers or points).
• Negative reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant task or event when positive behaviour occurs, like excusing an early-finished task as a reward.
• Use of consequences: Implementing time-outs or loss of privileges for inappropriate behaviour.

Strengths:

• Provides clear expectations for children.
• Reinforcement motivates children to repeat good behaviour.
• Encourages accountability and understanding of cause and effect.

Limitations:

• Over-reliance on external rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation.
• Consequences may not always address the root causes of behaviour.
• Might not suit all children, particularly those with complex needs or communication difficulties.

Developing a balance between rewards, natural consequences, and intrinsic motivation is vital when using this approach.

Humanistic Approach

The humanistic approach focuses on the emotional well-being and individual needs of children. It views behaviour as a communication of needs or feelings and highlights the importance of nurturing relationships to support positive behaviour.

Key elements include:

• Believing in the child’s potential for positive behaviour.
• Empathy and active listening to understand the underlying reasons behind behaviours.
• Supporting self-reflection to help children understand their own behaviour and its impact.

Strengths:

• Builds trust and strengthens relationships.
• Helps children feel valued and respected.
• Promotes emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Limitations:

• Can take time to achieve noticeable changes in behaviour.
• Requires skilled practitioners who are confident in emotional support.
• May not offer immediate solutions to urgent behaviour issues.

While this approach is person-centred and nurturing, it is often most effective when combined with clear boundaries and routines.

Cognitive-Behavioural Approach

This approach is based on the idea that thoughts influence feelings and behaviours. Teaching children to recognise and change unhelpful patterns of thinking can help them manage their behaviour more effectively.

Core techniques include:

• Identifying triggers and thought patterns behind negative behaviour.
• Using positive self-talk and problem-solving strategies.
• Encouraging reflection to develop emotional regulation skills.

Strengths:

• Helps children build long-term skills for managing behaviour.
• Supports children in understanding the link between emotions and actions.
• Can promote greater independence in self-regulation.

Limitations:

• May not be immediately accessible for younger children or those with limited verbal skills.
• Requires regular observation and communication to identify thought patterns.

This approach is particularly effective for older children and those with the ability to reflect on their actions and emotions.

Transactional Analysis Approach

Transactional analysis examines interactions between individuals and how different communication styles influence behaviour. This approach categorises interactions into three “ego states”: Parent, Adult, and Child. Positive behaviour is encouraged by maintaining an Adult-to-Adult interaction, promoting mutual respect and responsibility.

Key practices include:

• Avoiding critical or overly controlling “Parent” behaviours.
• Encouraging children to take ownership of their behaviour.
• Providing guidance in a calm and non-judgmental manner.

Strengths:

• Encourages a respectful and equal relationship between children and adults.
• Helps children feel empowered in their decisions.
• Promotes logical thinking and understanding.

Limitations:

• Requires training and understanding of ego states.
• May not be well-suited for very young children who rely on guidance rather than independence.

Although effective, this approach works best for older children and well-trained practitioners.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

PBS is a person-centred approach tailored to understanding and meeting the individual needs of a child. It focuses on identifying the root causes of challenging behaviour and implementing strategies to address them.

Key aspects include:

• Using observation to understand the purpose or triggers of behaviour.
• Creating clear routines and setting achievable expectations.
• Teaching alternative coping strategies to replace challenging behaviours.

Strengths:

• Emphasises prevention rather than correction.
• Focuses on long-term behaviour improvements.
• Helps children develop positive coping mechanisms.

Limitations:

• Requires thorough observation and planning.
• Can be resource-intensive, needing consistent monitoring and adaptation.

PBS is particularly useful for children with additional needs, such as those with autism or ADHD.

Attachment-Based Approach

This approach is grounded in the understanding that secure attachments between children and caregivers influence behaviour. A strong relationship is seen as a foundation for fostering positive behaviour.

Strategies include:

• Creating a safe and nurturing environment.
• Building trust through consistent responses and care.
• Ensuring children feel secure and valued.

Strengths:

• Supports emotional well-being and resilience.
• Reduces anxiety and promotes positive behaviour naturally.
• Focuses on long-term relationship building.

Limitations:

• May take time to build secure attachments.
• Some children may struggle to form bonds due to past experiences.

This approach is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma or disruption in their early lives.

Boundaries and Routines Approach

Children often thrive when they know what is expected of them. Setting clear boundaries and maintaining consistent routines can provide structure and predictability.

Practical strategies include:

• Explaining rules and expectations clearly.
• Using visual aids or timetables to support understanding.
• Following through consistently with both rewards and consequences.

Strengths:

• Makes expectations clear and reduces uncertainty.
• Helps children develop self-discipline and responsibility.
• Provides stability that can reduce anxiety.

Limitations:

• May feel rigid or inflexible if not balanced with empathy.
• Some children might need additional reinforcement to follow routines.

Using this approach alongside understanding and flexibility can improve outcomes for children in daily settings.

Final Thoughts

Different approaches to supporting positive behaviour cater to the diverse needs of children and young people. While some methods might focus on rewards and consequences, others build emotional resilience or foster trusting relationships. Professionals should consider the individual child, their environment, and any specific challenges when choosing an approach. Often, blending elements from multiple approaches is the most effective way to support and maintain positive behaviour.

Working with children requires patience, observation, and reflection to fine-tune strategies. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where every child feels valued and can succeed. By applying the right approaches to positive behaviour, practitioners can make a significant impact on children’s well-being and development.