The use of functional analysis in the Brazilian behavior therapy literature: a theoretical-conceptual review

Abstract

Behavior Analysis investigates, both experimentally and interpretively, the relationships established between the individual and the environment, which is called functional analysis. Although functional analysis is central to the research and the practice of the behavior analyst, there are inconsistencies both in its conceptual characterization and in its use in Brazilian clinical practice. In light of this, this research aimed to investigate the characteristics of functional analyses in the Brazilian behavior therapy literature. In the data collection procedure, 13 cases of typical outpatient clients where functional analyses were drawn or organized in a table were identified. These functional analyses were systematized and analyzed in different categories, relating to responses, antecedents and consequences, how many and what were the terms used and how they were described. The results showed the main features of the use of functional analysis. Reveal conceptual difficulties in transposition of the theoretical knowledge to practice as much as conceptual difficulties, indicating where it is necessary to invest more efforts to expanding the theoretical knowledge and practical training of Brazilian behavioral therapists.