2.6. Evaluate the impact on an individual’s well-being of using reactive rather than proactive strategies

This guide will help you answer 2.6. Evaluate the impact on an individual’s well-being of using reactive rather than proactive strategies.

Understanding the difference between proactive and reactive strategies is essential when working with children and young people. These strategies are used to manage behaviour and support well-being, but they approach challenges very differently. Reactive strategies respond to behaviour after it occurs, while proactive strategies aim to prevent issues from arising in the first place.

When reactive strategies dominate, an individual’s well-being can be negatively impacted, often in ways that are long-lasting. Proactive strategies, on the other hand, support the development of positive coping mechanisms and help create a stable, encouraging environment. In this guide, we will explore how the use of reactive rather than proactive strategies can influence an individual’s well-being.

How Reactive Strategies Affect Well-Being

Reactive strategies address incidents after they’ve happened. These might include interventions such as sanctions, reprimands, or crisis management plans. While sometimes necessary, relying predominantly on reactive strategies can be harmful to an individual’s mental, emotional, and social health.

Some key impacts include:

• Increased feelings of anxiety: Constantly being subjected to reactions after missteps or unwanted behaviour can make an individual feel on edge or worried about the consequences of their actions.
• Damage to self-esteem: Being frequently corrected or reprimanded can leave children or young people feeling that they are “bad” or not good enough.
• Reinforcement of negative behaviours: Attention—in any form—can maintain or escalate undesirable behaviours. If a child or young person only receives attention following poor behaviour, they may continue the behaviour as a way to gain attention.

For example, a reactive approach to a young person disrupting lesson time might involve immediate punishment. While this addresses the behaviour in the short-term, the root cause of the behaviour—perhaps lack of understanding, boredom, or emotional distress—is not addressed. Over time, the issue could worsen and lead to further damage to their well-being.

Impact on Emotional Well-Being

When reactive strategies are used frequently, a child or young person’s emotional well-being can be significantly affected. Emotional well-being refers to the ability to manage feelings, develop a positive self-image, and maintain a sense of happiness and stability.

If reactive strategies often involve punishment, reprimands, or conflict, an individual might experience:

• Distress or frustration: Feeling misunderstood or unfairly treated can cause feelings of helplessness.
• Low confidence: Individuals may stop attempting new things for fear of failure or reprimand.
• Shame or guilt: Repeatedly being told that their actions or behaviours are wrong can make children and young people see themselves as inherently problematic.

Over time, these impacts can result in emotional instability or avoidance behaviours, leading to further challenges in managing emotions and interactions with others.

Impact on Behavioural Development

When the focus is on reacting to events rather than preventing them, children and young people miss out on opportunities to develop positive behavioural patterns. Instead of learning how to self-regulate, they may associate behaviour management with fear of punishment or external control.

The effects on behaviour include:

• Escalated conflict: Reactive responses can reinforce a “power struggle” dynamic, where challenging behaviour worsens rather than subsides.
• Dependency on external discipline: Without proactive learning opportunities, individuals may rely solely on others to guide their behaviour instead of developing self-regulation skills.
• Instinctive avoidance: Instead of addressing the reasons behind their behaviour, children may avoid situations altogether, hindering their social and emotional growth.

For example, a child who is habitually late may consistently receive punishments. If the reason for lateness—such as trouble at home or difficulty waking up in the morning—is not addressed, the punishment will not solve the core problem. Over time, this approach may only foster resentment and a cycle of lateness and reprimand.

Effects on Social Relationships

Interpersonal relationships can also be strained when reactive strategies dominate. The individual may perceive adults or authority figures as unsupportive or punitive, leading to mistrust and distancing. Among peers, they might feel ostracised or labelled if their behaviour results in repeated negative reactions.

Some potential impacts include:

• Mistrust: Fearing adults’ or caregivers’ responses rather than seeing them as a source of support.
• Social isolation: Persistent reactive measures may limit opportunities for positive interactions with peers or group activities.
• Conflict escalation: Without addressing underlying issues, peer-to-peer conflicts may worsen, creating a culture of blame and retaliation.

A specific example could involve a young person who disrupts group work because they feel excluded. If the reactive strategy involves removing them from the group activity each time, the exclusion is reinforced, and the sense of isolation deepens.

The Importance of Proactive Strategies as a Solution

Proactive strategies reduce the need for reactive measures by addressing behaviour before it becomes problematic. They focus on understanding individual needs, recognising triggers, and creating a stable and positive environment.

Such strategies improve well-being by:

1. Promoting Predictability: Setting clear routines and expectations lowers anxiety and helps children feel secure.
2. Building Skills: Teaching self-regulation, coping mechanisms, and problem-solving empowers individuals to handle challenges independently.
3. Encouraging Positive Choices: Recognising and reinforcing desired behaviours provides guidance without the fear of punishment.

Examples of proactive strategies include:

• Setting clear, age-appropriate rules and consistently following them.
• Offering choices to empower individuals and reduce frustration.
• Identifying potential behavioural triggers and making adjustments to prevent issues—for instance, reducing sensory stimulation for a child who becomes overwhelmed in noisy environments.

Long-Term Benefits of Proactive Approaches

Switching to proactive strategies creates lasting benefits for children and young people. It builds a foundation of trust, stability, and security, helping individuals to develop a healthier outlook on themselves and their relationships. Well-being is enhanced because individuals feel understood, rather than punished. They also learn to take personal responsibility for their own actions.

Over time, proactive strategies lead to:

• Improved emotional resilience: Skills such as self-regulation and reflective thinking allow children to manage emotions effectively.
• Stronger relationships: Trust between children, young people, and adults is established, fostering a sense of safety and support.
• Better behavioural outcomes: A focus on prevention rather than reaction encourages long-term, positive behaviour patterns.

Balancing Reactive and Proactive Strategies

Although proactive strategies are ideal, reactive measures are sometimes necessary, especially in situations where safety is at risk or immediate action is required. The key is to strike a balance.

• Use reactive strategies sparingly and focus on the behaviour rather than the individual. For instance, avoid labelling someone as “naughty” and instead address the action, such as saying, “Hitting is not acceptable; let’s use kind words instead.”
• De-escalate situations with calm and constructive responses before addressing the root cause of the behaviour later. For example, if an individual is in distress, give them space to calm down before discussing the incident.
• Return to proactive measures as soon as possible, ensuring that the individual’s needs are being met to reduce future occurrences.

Final Thoughts

When reactive strategies outweigh proactive ones, children and young people’s well-being can suffer. Negative effects span emotional health, behavioural development, and social connections, often leading to longer-term struggles. Proactive strategies provide the guidance, support, and predictability that individuals need to thrive. Striving for a proactive approach, with thoughtful use of reactive measures when truly necessary, ensures a better foundation for growth, confidence, and overall mental and emotional well-being. By understanding the impacts of these approaches, you can make informed choices that prioritise the needs and development of every child and young person you work with.