Psychology and Positive Behaviour Support are closely connected disciplines that aim to comprehend and enhance human conduct and mental well-being. Though they share similar objectives, their approaches, techniques, and areas of focus vary significantly. This article examines the key distinctions between psychology and behaviour support, drawing from scientific evidence and expert perspectives.
Understanding Psychology
What is it?
Psychology is the scientific exploration of the human mind and behavior, covering a broad spectrum of topics like thought processes, emotions, drive, development, individuality, and social dynamics. Psychologists strive to comprehend how people think, feel, and act, and then apply this knowledge to help individuals enhance their mental health and overall well-being.
Areas of Specialisation
Psychology is a diverse field with various specialisations, including:
- Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
- Cognitive Psychology: Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.
- Developmental Psychology: Examines psychological growth and changes across the lifespan.
- Social Psychology: Investigates how individuals are influenced by social interactions and societal factors.
Methodologies
Psychologists use a variety of research methods to study behaviour and mental processes, including:
- Experimental Research: Controlled experiments to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Observational Studies: Naturalistic observation of behaviour in real-world settings.
- Surveys and Questionnaires: Tools to collect data on attitudes, beliefs, and experiences.
- Clinical Interviews and Assessments: Techniques to diagnose and evaluate mental health conditions.
Therapeutic Approaches
Psychologists employ various therapeutic approaches to help individuals cope with mental health issues, including:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, goal-oriented therapy that addresses negative thought patterns and behaviours.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on exploring unconscious processes and past experiences.
- Humanistic Therapy: Emphasises personal growth and self-actualisation.
- Family Therapy: Addresses interpersonal dynamics within families to improve relationships and communication.
Who do we work with?
Psychology
– Participants under the NDIS (7 to 65 year old), that look to improve their Quality of Life.
– Private clients
– Medicare clients
About Bridging Psychology
Bridging Psychology is stepping up to deliver much needed high quality psychological services to NDIS participants. Individuals with disability are more likely to experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to individuals without disability. With that in mind Bridging Psychology is committed to making psychological services accessible to individuals with disability.
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Understanding Positive Behavioural Support
Definition and Scope
Behaviour support is about creating individualised strategies for people with disability that are responsive to the person’s needs, in a way that reduces and eliminates the need for the use of regulated restrictive practices.
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on evidence-based strategies and person-centred supports that address the needs of the person with disability and the underlying causes of behaviours of concern, while safeguarding the dignity and quality of life of people with disability who require specialist behaviour support.
Behaviours of concern occur for a reason. In fact, more often than not they are communicating important information about a person’s stress, needs and skill development.
Positive Behaviour Support, or PBS, aims to understand why behaviours of concern occur. It uses a person-centred, evidence-informed approach that is respectful and ethical and supports a person’s dignity. Through its use we can improve an individual’s daily living and relationships.
Areas of Work
Positive Behaviour Support is used in a range of settings, from schools where it helps students with behaviour problems, to group homes and community programs assisting people with disabilities, to clinical environments addressing challenging behaviours, and even home-based programs supporting families in managing and improving their child’s behaviour.
Methodologies
Behaviour support professionals use specific approaches based on applied behaviour analysis to assess and address behaviour challenges:
- Functional Behaviour Assessment: Figuring out the reasons and purposes behind problematic behaviours.
- Behavioural Interventions: Techniques like positive reinforcement, modelling, and step-by-step activities to encourage desired behaviours.
- Data Collection and Monitoring: Carefully tracking behaviour to see how well the interventions are working.
Interventions and Techniques
Common Positive Behavioural Support interventions and techniques include:
- Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging desired behaviours by providing rewards or positive outcomes.
- Token Economies: Using tokens or points that can be exchanged for rewards to reinforce positive behaviour.
- Social Skills Training: Teaching individuals appropriate social interactions and communication skills.
- Self-Management: Helping individuals develop skills to monitor and regulate their own behaviour.
Who do we work with?
Positive Behaviour Support
Participants under the NDIS (7 to 65 year old), that look to improve their Quality of Life, present with Behaviours of Concern and or have Restrictive Practices used on them.
About Insight PBS
As per the definition, Insight means to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone, that is our Mission, to understand the participants we support and the key people in their life. Over the last few years Positive Behaviour Support has established its importance in the educational and disability sector. The aim of positive behaviour support under NDIS is to uphold the rights of the person with disability, improve their quality of life and reduce and eliminate restrictive practices.
Our approach and expertise, allows participants and carers to make major changes in their lives. We continually strive to inspire, support and guide the people we work with.
We build, nurture and develop effective networks and partnerships, offering innovative and tailored advice.
We are here to help you make a difference in the participant and carers’ lives.
The main difference between Psychology and Positive Behaviour Support
Focus and Approach
- Psychology: Has a wide focus on understanding the human mind and behaviour, looking at all sorts of mental health topics and using different therapy methods.
- Positive Behavioural Support: Specifically aims to change behaviours through planned, science-backed strategies, mainly focusing on visible behaviours and what causes them.
Methods and Techniques
- Psychology: Utilises diverse research methods and therapeutic techniques, including cognitive, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches.
- Positive Behavioural Support: Relies heavily on ABA principles and techniques, such as reinforcement, modelling, and functional behaviour assessments.
Conclusion
While psychology and Positive Behaviour Support both aim to understand and improve human behaviour, they go about it quite differently. Psychology takes a wide approach, looking at the mind and using various therapy methods to address mental health concerns. On the other hand, PBS is more focused on changing specific behaviours, especially for people with disabilities or behaviour challenges, using structured, evidence-based strategies. Being aware of these differences can help people and families choose the right kind of support and interventions for their needs.
Resources:
Read the full NDIS resource here
Learn more about PBS via our blog here.
Want to work with us? Check out our careers page.
Refer to Insight Positive Behaviour Support here.
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