Factors Impacting Behavior

                                                                                                       Neurological

		CHOICES

                                Psychological -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Environmental

                                                   Behavioral Triangle

                                                                                      ©MathisDevelopmentalServices 

        What is the Behavioral Triangle? No, it's not a place where acting out kids disappear never to be 

 heard  from  again. Rather, it's a place I go to seek answers. The Triangle is a place to search when

 interventions don't  seems to be working and there doesn't seem to be a clear reason why. 

Often I have to look closely to determine "what  is causing what', since no one factor works in isolation. I

 have also found that for treatment success to be maximized, these three factors have to be in alignment (or

 as close to alignment as possible). I've consistently found that when addressing behavioral issues, the three

 areas above are critical to helping children & adolescents better learn to manage themselves .When a young

 person has continued difficulty in  maintaining a consistent level of behavioral stability, I typically examine

 these areas to look for possible solutions. These questions are just a small example of how I approach a

 complex behavioral issue. I  encourage  you to try this process when you are addressing behavioral

 concerns of your own, you may find it helpful. Good Luck!

•       Neurological - Is the diagnosis correct? Have meds been re-evaluated recently? Are meds being given/taken as prescribed? Is neurological impairment interfering with other interventions?
•        Psychological -  Have emotional and psychological issues been addressed? Are there  underlying attachment or trauma issues that need to be explored?  Are child and therapist in sync? Are the child and family placed in position of competence? Is the treatment process collaborative, with the child or adolescent in a position of having some sense of direction and control?
•        Environmental -  Are prescribed interventions counter productive?  Is structure too restrictive or not restrictive enough?  Is child trying to fit into an environment that may not fit their personality or disorder? Does the environment focus on managing the child as opposed to developmental movement toward self management.    

In the center of the Triangle you find CHOICES. Choices are placed in the center, because they are something that can be effected by one or all three elements of the Triangle. While it is true that each child is responsible for the choices that they make, it is important to remember critical factors that influence those choices. For example, if a child misses her prescribed medication or does not have the correct dose (a Neurological factors), this will likely effect her behavior and the choices that she makes. Or if a child has undisclosed trauma issues (Psychological Factors) this will effect his interpretation of events and how he responds to them.

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