Staff definitions of challenging behavior

Staff beliefs about challenging behaviors may influence staff behavior towards those who challenge. Staff behaviors in turn have been implicated in both the development and maintenance of challenging behaviors. Very few previous research studies have focused on staff definitions of challenging behavior. In the present study, 50 staff working with adults with mental retardation rated potentially challenging behaviors in terms of: (a) whether they thought the behaviors were challenging, and (b) whether the behaviors should be the focus of intervention. Results confirmed previous research findings in that behaviors primarily having negative effects on individuals, rather than staff and services, were less likely to be identified as challenging. Practical implications of the study findings and directions for future research on staff beliefs about challenging behavior are discussed.