It is important to note that expressions of aggression in the form of words or behavior are aimed at worsening the marital status of peers. This can take the form of intimidation, ridicule, or threats and has a negative impact on people’s lives (Martin & Pear, 2019). In order to measure the target behavior, it is essential to use the frequency recording method. That is, the observer will be present in the usual environment where the client spends a lot of time (Martin & Pear, 2019). Moreover, the main task of the observer is to record the instances of aggression that the client exhibits towards peers and count them.
Additionally, aggressive behavior towards peers can develop due to the existence of socially positive reinforcement. For example, a client may have received a reward for exhibiting aggressive behavior in the past (Michie et al., 2018). Accordingly, the client assessed the situation and decided to use aggressive behavior toward peers to gain attention and support. Thus, he decided to practice it and constantly increase the scale, which led to serious problems.
On the other hand, aggressive behavior toward peers could be established through socially negative reinforcement. In this case, the individual is the first to engage in aggression as a defense mechanism to find protection (Michie et al., 2018). This can happen because the client has suffered from aggression in the past or felt uncomfortable with the people around him.
Accordingly, to protect themselves in the future, the client has chosen a strategy in which they need to attack first (Michie et al., 2018). Therefore, the positive and negative hypotheses can change and require further exploration through functional behavior assessment. An understanding of behavioral function is crucial to developing effective behavioral intervention strategies to address the target behavior and promote more appropriate alternatives.
References
Martin, G., & Pear, J. J. (2019). Behavior modification: What it is and how to do it. Routledge.
Michie, S., West, R., Sheals, K., & Godinho, C. A. (2018). Evaluating the effectiveness of behavior change techniques in health-related behavior: A scoping review of methods used. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 8(2), 212-224.