According to Cooper et al. (2020), B.F.

Skinner’s focus was on radical behaviorism, in

which he sought to understand all human behavior by taking into account other factors. Radical
behaviorism is important because environmental factors that may influence an individual’s
behavior are brought to the surface to understand human behavior. Based upon these factors, an
individual’s mental state can be affected. How a person responds to their own private events such
as thinking and feeling, shows just how complex behavior is. Radical behaviorism, unlike other
theories of behavior, acknowledges the importance of environmental factors and their influence
on internal behaviors to understand all aspects of human behavior.
Philosophical assumptions of the science of ABA are premises that influence the way
behavior analysts conduct their work in order to understand and improve their clients’ behaviors.
Some of these assumptions are determinism, empiricism, parsimony, experimentation, and so
many more (Pnamarketing, 2023). These assumptions guide behavior analysts on their research
and as they create behavior plans. Using these assumptions as guidance, behavior analysts have
to understand the importance of objective observations and collecting data on all behaviors.
Furthermore, assumptions explain the importance of following through with all logical
explanations of a behavior before considering other complex explanations, while also keeping in
mind that phenomena does not occur without reason.
Keeping the above philosophical assumptions in mind, along with other assumptions,
these will positively influence the way in which I support my clients. I now have more
understanding of the underlying factors of behavior. Therefore, I will be able to ensure that any
data I collect truly details the antecedent of the behavior, as that one of the blueprints to
understanding why the behavior is occurring. After gaining knowledge about these assumptions,
I will also be more aware of limiting my opinions on why a behavior might be occurring. There
are so many other factors that I may not be able to observe and/or confirm while conducting
therapy to my clients. In addition, I tend to overanalyze behaviors, rather than taking a step back
and using simple logic to understand my clients’ behaviors.
As an ABA practitioner, self-care to support overall wellness is crucial to ensuring that
burn-out does not exist. Burn-out can cause conflicts with co-workers and clients, lack of
engagement with clients, limited research and behavior planning, missing work, emotional and
mental exhaustion, self-deprivation, and more. In turn, this results in a client’s progress
declining, socially unacceptable behaviors increasing, and a lack of consistency, which is crucial
for clients. According to Plantiveau et al. (2018), the consequences of burn-out can be
detrimental to a client and the therapy that they receive. Another point that I enjoyed reading
about from the article was that burn-out is not always a cause of work-related stress, but an
individual’s personal life stressors. I think that we forget we are all human and nobody gets up in
the morning to go to work, while simultaneously living a perfect life. I believe that if we all kept
this in mind, we could receive more grace and guidance in our professions.
To prevent burn-out and ensure my self-care and wellness goals are met, I will
incorporate asking for help when I need it. It might sound so simple, but I have a difficult time
asking for help, and receiving it. Just as everyone does, I too have my own personal limits to
what clients, hours, and behaviors I can handle, while still maintaining my sanity. I believe that if
I was more open to help, whether it be a break, an ear to listen to my concerns, seeking answers,
etc., I could prevent burn-out sooner. Additionally, outside of work, I will seek to incorporate
stretching and other calming techniques before and after work to release any tension or
negativity from my mind and body.

References

Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.)/
 Hoboken, NJ: Pearson. ISBN 9780134752556

Discover the 7 Core Assumptions of ABA - Learn More Now! (2022, February 8). Pyles and
Associates. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from
https://pnaservices.com/2022/02/08/conubia-nostra-per-inceptos-himenaeos/

Plantiveau, C., Dounavi, K., & Virués-Ortega, J. (2018). High levels of burnout among
early-career board-certified behavior analysts with low collegial support in the
work environment. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, 19(2), 195-207.
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