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Training for family carers can be useful part of PBS interventions

John Northfield

Positive behavioural support (PBS) recognises the importance of understanding the basis of why someone is exhibiting a behaviour that is challenging, and that there is a need to consider both proactive and reactive strategies in developing interventions. There has been a good deal reported in the literature about the training needs of paid carers in this area, but very liitle attention seems to have been paid to the needs of family carers, despite the majorty of people living with families.

The researchers in this study set out to look at the effectiveness of some specially designed training in physical interventions to six sets of family carers. The authors were keen also to find out about the family carers’ experiences of the training.

Using a longitudinal design, they gathered qualitative and quantitative data prior to the training; immediately after  and three to four months after the training.

The results of the analysis of the data revealed positive impacts of the training, in terms of the impact on the behaviours as well as positive feedback about the experience of undertaking the treaining.

They conclude that

training parents in behaviour management strategies has the potential to be a useful component of PBS interventions in family settings.

Training family carers in reactive strategies within a PBS framework, Hawkins S et al., in International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support, 1,  1, 32-44

Aggressive challenging behaviour requires personalised interventions, robust caregiver relationships, and sustained system-level support
Positive Behaviour Support: RCT finds no effect, but fidelity is poor
NICE learning disabilities and challenging behaviour guidance highlights need for stronger evidence
Written by

After qualifying as a social worker, John worked in community learning disability teams before getting involved in a number of long-stay hospital closure programmes, working to develop individual plans for people moving into their own homes. He worked for BILD, helping to develop the Quality Network and was editorial lead for the NHS electronic library learning disabilities specialist collection. This led him to found the Learning Disabilities Elf site with Andre Tomlin as a way of making the evidence accessible to practitioners in health and social care. Most recently he has worked as part of Mencap's national quality team and also been involved in a number of national website developments, including the General Medical Council's learning disabilities site.

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  • Linda Thornton

    Linda Thornton

    14 years ago
    I agree with your summation that training parents in behavioural management strategies has the potential to be a useful component of PBS interventions in family settings. I would go so far as to say it is essential, along with training other care providers whether at school or residential care.
    • 1 reply
    • John Northfield
      John Northfield 14 years ago
      Hi Linda, Thanks for your comment, I think the findings of this study are in line with the view of families as critical partners in support. This is very much the view taken by in Control and the movement towards self directed support. john