Functional analysis in behavior therapy

Abstract The functional analysis occupies a central role in behavioral construct systems and in behavior therapy. However, examination of the literature suggests that it is a conceptually amorphous term with multiple definitions. Such imprecision has resulted in inconsistency and restricted applications in clinical case conceptualizations and clinical decision-making. In order to clarify the nature of the functional analysis, this paper examines its epistemological bases and important dimensions of functional relationships. A definition of functional analysis is proposed that integrates the important characteristics of functional relationships with the tenets of behavioral construct systems. This definition can accommodate complex causal models which more accurately depict the behavioral interrelationships presented by most clients. Methods for deriving the functional analysis are then examined. A review of the literature suggests that pretreatment functional analyses are infrequently conducted. The construction of functional analytic causal models is proposed as a method of systematizing and organizing the functional analysis and facilitating its clinical impact.

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