“Instead of considering problems pathologies to be eliminated, it attempts increase client’s adaptive options and extend or improve existing repertoires for producing those outcomes that are important the client. This is a direct approach to producing ‘desirable’ outcomes, rather than an indirect approach, with desirable outcomes as hoped-for by-produces or elimination or acceptance of pathology” (Layng et al., 2022, p. 20)
The 5 Constructional Questions
- Where do you want to go from here?
- Where are you now?
- How can you get there?
- What would keep you going?
- How will you know where you are along the way?
The Constructional Questionnaire
The Constructional Questionnaire is an interview conducted with a client or others individuals familiar with the client, e.g. caregivers, therapists, teachers, etc. that identifies a desirable resolution to a presenting problem.
The Constructional Questionnaire is designed to ascertain several important areas:
- What are the client’s goals?
- What are their current skills?
- What types of procedures have been used in the past to help them reach their goals?
- What is the effect of the behavior?
- How will individuals track their progress?
Daily Event Logs
Clients are instructed to keep prescribed daily records used to
- Provide basic assessment information
- Provide details that will allow clients to analyze their own behavior
- Allow clients evidence of their progress
- Support fine-tuning elements of their program
- Allow the client to maintain control over the direction of their program
Emotions are also included as important indicators of the range of experiences one is facing.
Liden, T. A., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2024). Constructional Parent Coaching: A Collaborative Approach to Improve the Lives of Parents of Children with Autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-18.
The Constructional Approach to Behavior Analysis 