Positive Behaviour Support

This section summarises the 2014 paper: 'Definition and scope for positive behaviour support' in the International Journal of Positive Behaviour Support authored by Gore et al.

Positive behavioural support is a multicomponent framework for:

  1. developing an understanding of the challenging behaviour displayed by an individual, based on an assessment of the social and physical environment and broader context within which it occurs;
  2. with the inclusion of stakeholder perspectives and involvement;
  3. using this understanding to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a personalised and enduring system of support; and
  4. that enhances quality of life outcomes for the focal person and other stakeholders.

 PBS may be inplemented in a range of settings that include:

  1. Residential or small group homes
  2. Schools
  3. Family homes and other community settings

PBS may be implemented to support people with a variety of needs including:

  1. Adults, children and young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
  2. Typically developing children and young people with other emotional and behavioural difficulties
  3. People with other neurological conditions (acquired brain injury) who display behavioural difficulties

NB. PBS uk and our advisors also believe it can be applied more widely, for example when supporting people with dementia.