#Behavior Analysis

[cinnamoodles]

spencer reid doodle <3

[drowning-in-cabbages]

Reading the BBS Light Novel (and also thinking back through the games) and I had some thoughts on Vanitas's truthfulness with how he speaks but also his relationship with Terra and Xehanort

I don't think Vanitas really ever flat out lies

Feel free to correct me on this, it has been a while, but Vanitas has never really lied to anyone. He's always been brutally honest, at least as far as I remember.

When he first meets Ventus and tells him that "ooo Terra's changing better go find him", he wasn't lying. He knew Xehanort's plan and knew that Terra was going to change. When he met Aqua, he said he was the only one who was going to make it out alive. He didn't lie he just changed his mind. He kept her alive on purpose.

Another example is when he meets Sora. Vanitas is extremely transparent with what he wants and what he plans to do. Same with his fight with Aqua and Ven in KH3.

Vanitas does lie in a manipulating way. Any "lie" he tells would at most be a "You didn't ask so I didn't tell" kind of way. You'd think he would, like Xehanort, lie to get his way. But he doesn't.

I don't think this makes him any better of a person. In fact, I think it makes him more evil. He doesn't lie because he doesn't feel bad about what he's doing and has no need to make others trust him. He literally tells Ventus that he plans to kill him during their first fight! He has no filter!

I could yap about this forever but I'll move to my next talking point, the BBS light novel.

Thinking back to the scene in BBS where Terra fights Xigbar to "save" Xehanort, the old man says to Terra "Heyo kiddo! You did pretty good back there! Why don't you become my apprentice?"

I can't help but think that Vanitas would get jealous. He was nearby, obviously because he had to face off against Aqua, and could have overheard.

Xehanort praises Terra, treats him well, says he's better than anyone else and asks him to be his apprentice. In the novel, he is cruel to Vanitas and treats him like absolute shit! Not only that, but he treats Vanitas like a tool while he plans to use Terra as a vessel (this was before Vanitas also became one of the 13 vessels).

Would it be reasonable to suspect that Vanitas would harbor a lot of ill will against Terra for how Xehanort treats him? Also, Xehanort says to Terra that Vanitas should be eliminated. And to add salt to the wound, they were forced into the same arena in KH3.

Ouch.

These were just some thoughts I had regarding Vanitas's behavior and/or future behavior (if Square isn't a wimp and gives him a redemption, PLEASE!).

tagging: @an-archii

[bellobambino]

its not that luigi doesnt want connection, its just that he's so restless that its difficult for him to stay in any situation long enough to grow roots.

thats why hes always moving around, having a good time in the sunshine

[theplotdemandsit]

were every hargreeves siblings lonely and lone? Were they all incapable of making friends truly?did they had any choice in the matter after they left the hargreeves mansion at 18,19?

Were the hargreeves lonely? Were they really incapable of making friends? Did they have any choice in the matter after they left the academy?

How I’m understanding this question is basically: Was the dominance and loneliness forced upon them growing up still chaining them down after they left?

The short answer? Yes. 

I’m a behavior therapist, and part of my work is looking at how individuals have been conditioned to behave in certain ways. Functional behavior and nonfunctional behavior all stem from consequences. If the consequences of a behavior increase the likelihood of you doing it again, your behavior has been reinforced. If the consequences decrease the likelihood of you doing it again, your behavior has been punished. Reginald Hargreeves uses these principles of behavior to essentially control his children.

Just to give an example of how this works: say you ask politely for a cookie and Mom gives you a cookie—you’ve now learned that asking politely gets you a cookie and are more likely to ask that way again. It can also go the other way where if you ask for a cookie by screaming and yelling, you don’t get a cookie. You are now less likely to scream and yell. Sound familiar?

But now think about this:

Say you ask Dad for a hug and he ignores you. Eventually you stop asking. Say you follow all his instructions and he praises you. You keep following his instructions. 

Say you ask Dad if you can go to the mall. He tells you no. Eventually you stop asking. Say you follow all his instructions and he praises you. You keep following his instructions.

Say you can’t do what Dad wants you to do so he locks you up and hurts you. You don’t want to suffer but you also can’t follow his instructions, so you do what you can to make it hurt less. He only tells you he’s disappointed but at least he can’t hurt you anymore.

Say you work really hard and outperform everyone else, and Dad praises you. He praises you for taking risks to be better. So you take more and more risks. Except one day he tells you to stop—that you can’t do it. The only problem with this is that experience has told you otherwise. You’ve been reinforced in the past for taking risks, so you take another. And another.

Say Dad tells you you’re nothing. You’re ordinary. You try to prove him wrong by doing well in other things, but instead of praising you, he ignores you or uses you as an example of what not to be. So you stop trying. 

The only reinforced behavior the Hargreeves had was following whatever Dad said. (Aside from Five’s case due to reasons 2 paragraphs ago). They couldn’t rely on each other because they were always competing against one another for Dad’s approval.

For more about the Hargreeves’ hierarchy, check out this entry which dives even deeper! https://www.tumblr.com/atalana/183592717183/five-and-the-effects-of-reginald-hargreeves?source=share

So, yes. They were lonely. And while they could make their own decisions after saying Bye, Felicia to dear old dad, their behavior had already been conditioned into living a certain way. For the numbers at the top, they had to keep doing and being the best. For the numbers on the bottom, they were already a disappointment so what was the point? (Unless, again, you're Number Five and just keep pushing to become better)

And while most behavior is conditioned, it can also be conditioned to change (literally my job) so they could all learn to not be so harmfully dependent and learn to believe in themselves had they positive role models in their lives. But they didn’t. From what I can tell, it seems like Diego is the only one who made any friends, but none of them were deep relationships. Him and Patch didn’t last, but maybe they eventually could have had he found more reasons to live than taking out bad guys. And even though Allison married and had a child, she still couldn’t find herself living without relying on her power, her need to control things. She was trying to rise to the top by any means necessary, but it wasn’t fulfilling which she later realized.

One of my favorite things about season 2 is that the siblings all getting sent in different times helps them to learn to rely on others and maybe heal a little. Although unfortunately Five just went from one Apocalypse to the other so he basically never heals. It’s fine. (It’s not and I’m still upset about that storyline they call season 4). 

But anyway. Changing behavior that has a long history of consistent conditioning is challenging and takes time. We see that throughout their stories and their laughable inability to communicate. But hopefully in some universe somewhere, they are learning to be happy. Thanks for the great questions! 

[edensvantage]

Here at Eden’s Vantage, we understand that mental health challenges can deeply impact individuals and their families. That’s why we are committed to using the most effective strategies to support those in need. Did you know? One of the most promising advancements in behavioral health is the use of mental health algorithms.

[mannabacounselingcenterandt]

Anger control can be a challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum, but with the right techniques, it is possible to manage emotions effectively. One approach that has shown success is ABA autism therapy in Altamonte Springs, Florida. This therapy focuses on behavior analysis to teach children and adults how to recognize triggers and use coping strategies when they feel anger building up. ABA therapy emphasizes understanding personal emotions, which can lead to more control over reactions and reduce instances of anger outbursts.

[the-behavior-researcher]

Exploring ABA Therapy and How It Supports Children with Autism

ABA therapy, short for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a well-known and thoroughly studied method that helps children with autism learn and grow. It’s designed to teach valuable life skills and encourage positive behavior in a way that meets each child’s unique needs. With its flexible and tailored approach, ABA therapy offers meaningful support to children on the autism spectrum.

At its core, ABA therapy techniques use a scientific way to understand and improve behavior. It focuses on figuring out why certain actions occur and uses proven techniques to encourage positive changes. For example, if a child has difficulty expressing themselves, ABA therapy can teach them ways to communicate, like using words, gestures, or other forms of interaction.

Therapists break skills into smaller, more manageable steps, making it easier for children to learn and practice. They also use positive reinforcement, such as giving compliments or rewards, to motivate children and celebrate their progress.

ABA therapy is incredibly versatile and can help children develop many skills based on their individual needs. Here are some key areas where it can make a difference:

Communication: Learning how to ask for things, answer questions, and engage in conversations.

Daily Skills: Mastering everyday tasks like dressing, brushing teeth, or following routines.

Social Interaction: Developing skills to play with peers, take turns, and make friends.

Emotional Growth: Teaching children how to understand and manage emotions like frustration or sadness.

ABA therapy works because it’s grounded in research and science. Its methods have been tested and refined over many years. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, meaning it can meet the specific needs of every child.

One of the key strengths of ABA therapy is its focus on progress. Therapists track each child’s achievements during sessions and adjust the plan if needed. This ensures steady improvement over time.

The ultimate goal of ABA therapy is to help children gain confidence and live fuller, more independent lives. Whether it’s learning to communicate better, building new skills, or feeling more comfortable in their daily routine, ABA therapy can make a world of difference.

Parents often notice significant changes in their child’s abilities and behavior after starting ABA therapy. It’s a powerful tool that helps children thrive in their own unique way.

To learn more about ABA therapy, visit here for more details on this topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_behavior_analysis

[mysticalhumanthing]

Me talking about you shows the problems within my character not yours.

[ababehaviorservices]

How Behavior Care Therapy Enhances Social Skills in Children with ADHD and ODD

Social struggles are common in children with ADHD and ODD, but Behavior Care Therapy can change that. Through structured sessions focused on improving communication, emotional regulation, and social interactions, children can experience real progress. Learn how behavior care therapy can improve your child’s relationships at school and home. Read more....

[dynamichealthinsights]

ABA Therapy: Empowering Lives, Building Brighter Futures

In the intricate tapestry of human development, where each individual’s journey is unique and filled with boundless potential, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy emerges as a guiding light. Rooted in the science of behavior, ABA therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to understanding, shaping, and celebrating the diverse ways in which we learn and grow. This comprehensive…

[nupalcdc]

Curious about ABA therapy? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy helps individuals with autism develop essential skills through structured techniques. Discover how ABA therapy can make a positive impact on behavior and learning for your loved ones.

Book your appointment today! https://tinyurl.com/bdymjxnp

🤙Call us at +91 9910388103

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

"it's not that deep" not yet but I've got a shovel and fan theories and digging makes great exercise!

[ableautism]

Children, particularly those with autism, may exhibit challenging behaviors that require a specialized and evidence-based approach for effective intervention. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy in this regard can be an effective method in understanding and addressing these behaviors, providing tailored strategies to foster positive change.

[morimementa]

The fun thing about COD is that everyone who calls the 141 and every other operator their precious little mew mew skrunkly is fully aware that Soap once used an enemy soldier as a meat shield, Price responded to a barricade by attempting vehicular manslaughter, Gaz saw one terrorist attack and decided going feral was an option that should be on the table, and Ghost is, well, Ghost.

They know their little mew mews are war criminals and they do not care.

[flowtus143]

Slightly Erotic Fiction I Wrote For Grad School

So, I’m enrolled in an online grad school program. Since we don’t meet for class like you would at a traditional campus, we have to respond to a weekly writing prompt and post our response to a forum made for our class. After posting, we have to reply to at least three other students prompts with a substantive comment. Doing this is supposed to replicate the experience of being in class with other students, sharing your ideas and responding to theirs. In other words, it’s a participation assignment. If you’ve ever been to college, you know showing up to class isn’t enough. You have to participate in classroom discussions.

For one of my classes, we had to post about two concepts we learned about that week (discriminative stimuli and motivating operations). So, I decided to have some fun with it and write some slightly erotic fiction were I included an explanation of the concepts. Yes, I actually turned this in. And yes, my classmates and professor loved it. Of course they did. School can be so dry and boring that any time anyone tries to shake things up, even a little, it’s always greatly appreciated.

Anyway, I thought I’d share it here. Enjoy! And bonus points for anyone who actually knows anything about the concepts discussed below.

—

I thought tonight would be an ordinary night. Maybe studying or completing assignments for school. Or talking with friends in our group chat about whatever fleeting topic held our attention. Hell, maybe I would’ve went to bed at a reasonable time, for a change.

This is no ordinary night. Tonight, I am here. Caught in this moment. Enthralled with his presence…

“Here we are. 5th floor. Hope walking up the stairs in those heels wasn’t too tiring for you” he says, smiling gently as he looks toward me.

His name? Aiden Holland. We met a Freedom Park a few days ago. Chloe loves it when I take her for walks around the fountain trail for a walk. We happened to run into Aiden during a morning jog. He was pleasant to talk to with his friendly, charming, yet serious way of speaking. So, we agreed to meet up in the future. Pretty boy, through and through. Cleanly shaven, well-kept hair, fairly tall with a lean build. He definitely dedicates a few hours a week at the gym. The way his button-up clings tightly to his chest shows off his efforts.

“I’m fine!” I reply, attempting to mask my exhaustion with cheeriness. “Though, it would be nice to take a load off.”

“Of course. Please, come in. Make yourself comfortable.”

I don’t know what he does for a living, but it must be lucrative. His apartment is spacious, with furniture arranged beautifully, framed pictures and paintings lining the walls, and a variety of plants sitting outside on the balcony. His kitchen even has a mini-bar. Barstools and all.

“Would you like something to drink, Evelyn?” he calls out.

“Hmm…what do you have?”

“The way I see it, you have two options: water or something better than water.” He opens the cabinet above the bar, revealing an assortment of alcoholic beverages.

“I’ll take something better than water…”

The crimson liquid flows gracefully from the bottle to our glasses. Calera Pinot Noir. Much better than the Barefoot I have at home. He motions for me to join him at the bar.

“Evelyn,” he says as I make my way over. “I have a question for you…”

Before I can respond, he softly takes my hand in his. Almost instinctively, I gently squeeze, rubbing my thumb over the back of his hand. He pulls me in closer. I stumble forward, only managing to catch myself by pressing my other hand into his firm chest. Our gazes lock, the seriousness of his voice is only outmatched by the intensity in his eyes. He pulls me in closer. And closer. And closer…

He moves his face down, brushing past my hair, bringing his lips closer to my ear. A bead of sweat trickles down between my shoulder blades, almost reaching the small of my back before being absorbed by the red dress that drapes my quivering body. My pulse quickens. My breathing, sharp. His breath warms my ear and neck as he passionately whispers his question to me…

“Do you know what a discriminative stimulus is?”

His words sends chills down my spine and I stand there, motionless. Silent. I lean upwards, standing on the tips of my toes, bringing my lips to his ear.

“Enlighten me…” I utter, weakly, yet sweetly.

He releases me and begins pacing around the kitchen. “A discriminative stimulus is an antecedent stimulus that who’s presence evokes an operant behavior that has been reinforced in the past. Another way to think of it is the discriminative stimulus signals that reinforcement is available.”

“Kinda like seeing an opportunity and taking it?”

“Exactly, according to page 130 of a book published in 2016, written by a man named Miltenberger. Funny name, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I reply through my laughter. “a little silly.”

“Aiden? Could you demonstrate an example of a discriminative stimulus? For me…?”

He smiles coyly. “I’d love to. But, I’ve already demonstrated an example earlier.”

“Oh yeah?” I strut slowly toward him, stopping a few feet away, leaning on one of the walls of the dining area. “You expect me to believe you’re that smooth?

“Well, think about it. When I asked you if you wanted a drink, that was an antecedent stimulus that indicated your behavior may yield reinforcement. In this case, your behavior was answering my question and the reinforcement was receiving a drink.”

Damn, he is that smooth. I’m actually studying a similar topic in my class.

“So, do you know what motivating operations are, Aiden?”

He turns to face me and leans forward. “Enlighten me…”

Cheeky bastard. “According to authors Cooper, Heron, and Heward’s book published in 2020, motivating operations are conditions that impact how…desirable…a particular reinforcer may be. Motivating operations can be broken down into two types, establishing operations, which makes the reinforcer more appealing, and abolishing operations, which does the opposite. Page 373.“

“As intelligent as you beautiful” he remarks. “But, make sure you don’t confuse the two concepts. Both discriminative stimuli and motivating operations come in the form of antecedents and have a relationship with reinforcing consequences.”

“Of course, Aiden. But discriminative stimuli only signal the opportunity for reinforcement while motivating operations alter how powerful a reinforcer is. But, you’re right, it’s important to have a strong grasp of these concepts. A professional could use this knowledge to understand why people engage in certain behaviors or use them to teach new ones.”

“Well said, Evelyn.”

“Thanks. But, now I want you to give an example of a motivating operation.”

“I have the perfect example for you. Coming up five flights of stairs, especially in those shoes, is exhausting, no?”

“Obviously.” I retort as I begin to slowly take them off. His eyes track every motion, watching silently as I undress. He’s been calm and cool this entire time, but now, he’s getting excited…

“You were saying?” I say, attempting to shift his focus back to the conversation.

“So, being fatigued would encourage you to seek rest or something to help you rest.

“In other words, walking up the stairs made the wine even more enticing? I see…”

He falls silent again. He watching, almost waiting. What discriminative stimuli is he picking up on? What are his motivating operations? A girl can only wonder.

“Now that we’re done talking about how badly I want wine, maybe we should finally enjoy the glasses you poured earlier.”

He chuckles. “Agreed. And then what?”

“Well, I suppose that depends on what we’re both motivated for…”

References

Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Pearson.

Miltenberger, R. G. (2016). Behavior modification: Principles and procedures (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.

[tarothermit1]

Me to BCBA's who only want to work fully remote