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Questions and Answers
What defines a behavioral excess, and can you provide an example?
A behavioral excess is a behavior that occurs too frequently, intensely, or for too long. An example is hand washing twenty-five times a day.
How is a behavioral deficit characterized, and give an example of one related to washing hands?
A behavioral deficit is characterized by a lack of behavior that occurs too infrequently or ineffectively. An example is washing hands once a week.
Why is it important to consider context when evaluating behaviors as excesses or deficits?
Context is important because a behavior may be appropriate in one situation and inappropriate in another, affecting its classification. For example, hand washing is excessive if done interruptively during a conversation.
What do the terms 'excess' and 'deficit' imply in the context of behavior categorization?
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Study Notes
Behavioral Excesses and Deficits
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Observations on problematic behaviors are categorized into excesses (frequent) and deficits (infrequent), based on Kanfer & Saslow's distinction.
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Behavioral Excess: Defined as problematic behavior due to excessive frequency, intensity, duration, or occurrence in inappropriate situations.
- Example: Washing hands 25 times a day indicates excessive frequency.
- Example: Using steel wool while washing hands suggests excessive intensity.
- Example: Hand washing for 30 minutes shows excessive duration.
- Example: Leaving a conversation to wash hands due to perceived 'dirtiness' demonstrates inappropriate situational occurrence.
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Behavioral Deficit: Defined as problematic behavior due to a lack of occurrence or insufficient frequency, intensity, or duration when beneficial.
- Example: Washing hands only once a week indicates insufficient frequency.
- Example: Washing hands without soap suggests inadequate intensity.
- Example: Only washing hands for a few seconds reflects insufficient duration to ensure cleanliness.
- Example: Not washing visibly dirty hands before a formal dinner exemplifies lack of occurrence when it would be beneficial.
Norms of Adaptive Behavior
- The categorization of behaviors as excesses or deficits is situational, not based solely on the action itself.
- There is currently no objective data to determine a universal norm for hand washing frequency or duration.
- "Normal" hand washing behavior likely varies significantly among individuals and cultures.
- Extreme behaviors (excesses or deficits) have clear adverse effects on health and social functioning.
Identification of Excesses and Deficits
- The point at which behavior becomes excessive or deficient is often ambiguous.
- Excesses and deficits can coincide in certain contexts, complicating categorization.
- Example: Cutting wrists is considered an immediate behavioral excess due to its direct threat to health, regardless of population norms.
- Ethical guidelines in clinical settings require behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm to be classified as excesses due to potential harm.
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Description
Explore the fundamental concepts of behavioral excesses and deficits as discussed by Kanfer & Saslow in 1969. This quiz helps you understand how to categorize behavior based on frequency and the problems associated with both excess and deficit behaviors. Test your knowledge on the key terms and definitions related to behavior analysis.
