Consequence Mapping of Problem Behaviors in Children with Developmental Delays

Abstract

The efficacy of behavioral approach in handling problem behaviors is recognized and authenticated. This cross sectional exploratory survey seeks to highlight consequence mapping as simple innovative easy-to-use add-on procedure in problem behavior change programs. A unique listing of 55 consequences reported by 42 parents (including 23 mothers and 19 fathers) as aftermath of problem behaviors in a clinical sample of 25 children (including 18 boys and 7 girls) with academic (N: 12) and developmental delays (N: 13) becomes the empirical ground to justify consequence mapping. The list and estimation on frequency, intensity of problem behaviors as well as identification of what is deemed as rewards is reported differently by fathers and mothers of the same children. The taxonomy, structure, content and characteristics of consequence maps depicting events or happenings following problem behaviors is found to vary by setting, gender, diagnosis, and parent variables. Even as the parents are unable to differentiate between skill and problem behaviors, the prevalence of multiple, ambiguous, inconsistent, self-contradictory, ad hoc and arbitrary consequences for given problem behaviors is reported. The verbal or pictorial depiction of causal and functional analysis of behaviors afforded by consequence mapping is discussed as invaluable tool for planning or implementing problem behavior remediation programs.