Perspectivas em Análise do Comportamento

Screening of Medication Intake in Children with ASD: A Questionnaire for Parents and Caregivers

Patrícia Lima Diniz Albuquerque — 2025-12-03

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbidities such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often require continuous medication, and medication acceptance is a decisive factor for treatment adherence. The objective of this research was to map the need for a teaching procedure for medication intake in children with ASD, through an online questionnaire applied to 70 parents of children with ASD (aged 3 to 12 years). The results showed difficulties in medication intake, with more than half of the sample’s children unable to swallow solid pharmaceuticals. It was observed that, due to refusal, some caregivers resort to the unindicated administration of the drug, such as crushing or mixing the medication, which may compromise treatment efficacy. Additionally, managing these difficulties revealed a clear picture of maternal overload for the majority of primary caregivers.
When questioned about the importance of a procedure for teaching medication acceptance, most parents consider the training important. The collected data highlight the need for future studies to develop procedures for teaching pill swallowing skills.

Why Do Men Not Cry? A Behavioral-Contextual Perspective on the Impacts of Masculinity on Interpersonal Intimacy

Gustavo Foz Fonseca — 2025-12-01

In contemporary Western culture, male socialization processes tend to promote a normative model that establishes hierarchies of value and authority among men, reinforcing asymmetrical power relations as it legitimizes different forms of violence. Although this model provides access to certain social and symbolic privileges, conforming to hegemonic masculinity also brings adverse psychological and social consequences for men themselves. T he systematic suppression of vulnerable emotional responses and the difficulty in establishing intimate relationships are among its most directly observable outcomes. In this sense, the present study sought to describe the impact of masculinity norms on the development of intimate bonds and their possible consequences for men’s mental health. From a behavioralcontextual perspective, we delineate the concept of masculinity and functionally characterize intimacy in social relationships. By offering an initial theoretical account of the phenomenon, we expect this work to contribute to guiding future research and to promoting alternative ways of experiencing masculinity.

Problem-solving skills as a path to happiness and well-being

André Connor de Méo Luiz — 2025-12-01

This article explores how Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy (EC-PST), grounded in Behavior Analysis, contributes to happiness and psychological well-being. Using the diathesis-stress model, it conceptualizes mental disorders as arising from ineffective repertoires when facing stressors. EC-PST integrates problem-solving with emotional regulation, psychoeducation, and the development of functional behaviors. It helps clients identify problems, regulate emotions, clarify values, and adopt more effective strategies in the face of adversity. From a contextual and pragmatic perspective, happiness is framed as the result of reinforcement histories that involve overcoming challenges and engaging in value-consistent behaviors. The paper argues, within the framework of Radical Behaviorism, that targeting emotional problems through behaviorally based interventions can significantly enhance subjective well-being and life fulfillment.

Process-Based Therapy: genuine innovations or more of the same?

Daniel Constantino Cunha — 2025-12-15

Process-Based Therapy (PBT) emphasizes the identification and manipulation of functionally relevant processes of change to explain and alter clinically significant behavior. This theoretical article aims to provide an overview of PBT. This theoretical article aims to present a general overview of PBT. To this end, it examines relevant historical influences, such as Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), related to the work of Steven C. Hayes, as well as the Complex Causal Network, related to the work of Stefan G. Hofmann. Subsequently, the concept of processes of change and their characteristics are defined, including Network Approach. The article also describes two other characteristic concepts of PBT, the Extended Evolutionary Metamodel (EEMM) and Process-Based Functional Analysis. It concludes by highlighting the novelties proposed by PBT.

Family Members as Co-Therapists: Assessing a Behavior Analysis Intervention for Children with Autism

Camila Domeniconi — 2025-12-18

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to support skill development in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the inclusion of family members as co-therapists. Supervised by faculty and graduate researchers from a Brazilian public university, undergraduate students developed 240 individualized teaching programs applied in collaboration with families over a period of up to 12 weeks. To measure skill gains, the Operationalized Portage Inventory was administered at the beginning and end of the intervention. Results demonstrated significant family adherence, with substantial improvements observed in all children’s skill levels as shown by scoring. Additionally, family members reported positive perceptions of the children’s development, indicating effectiveness in the home setting. A relevant limitation was the management of challenging behaviors, highlighting the need for additional approaches. This study underscores the positive impact of family involvement in ASD interventions, reinforcing collaboration in promoting child development.

Studies on Motivating Operations in Brazil: publications produced between 2000 and 2022

Francisco Denilson Paixão Junior — 2025-12-29

O fenômeno da motivação está intimamente atrelado às psicologias cognitivistas, contudo estudiosos da Análise do Comportamento dedicaram esforços para sua operacionalização dentro de seu sistema filosófico. Adota-se o termo operação motivadora para referir ao fenômeno da motivação. O conceito de operação motivadora é definido como eventos antecedentes que modificam momentaneamente o efeito dos eventos consequentes e alteram a frequência de uma classe de resposta relacionada a estas consequências. Com a finalidade de identificar os tipos de estudo e contribuições brasileiras sobre o assunto, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura em periódicos brasileiros. Foi possível verificar a diversidade de contextos nos quais este conceito contribui para análises funcionais e com a possibilidade de intervenções mais minuciosas e eficazes. Contudo, foram encontrados apenas 12 estudos nos principais periódicos brasileiros de Análise do Comportamento, apontando para a necessidade de mais estudos conceituais, aplicados e experimentais sobre o assunto, bem como novas revisões de literatura.

Use of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) in Research with Informal Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Mateus Silveira Adriano — 2026-04-13

Cognitive fusion, a core concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), refers to the rigid adherence to thoughts, contributing to psychological distress. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) is a psychometrically validated tool for measuring this process. This study conducted a scoping review, following PRISMA-ScR and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, to map the use of the CFQ in research involving informal caregivers. A search across eight databases yielded 16 studies published between 2014 and 2025, mainly from Spain and the United States. Participants were predominantly women, with a mean age of 62, caring for people with dementia. Most studies had cross-sectional designs, using the Spanish and CFQ-7 versions, with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from 0.79 to 0.97. The most frequent dependent variables were depressive symptoms, anxiety, caregiver burden, and values satisfaction; independent variables included psychological interventions and sociodemographic characteristics. Higher levels of fusion were associated with greater distress, while reduced fusion correlated with improved well-being. ACT-based interventions showed promising results. Limitations included cross-sectional designs and convenience samples. The findings suggest that the CFQ is a useful tool for assessing cognitive fusion in caregivers, but highlight the need for longitudinal and culturally diverse studies to strengthen the evidence base.

Fear of Missing Out and Experiential Avoidance in the Virtualization of Everyday Life: A Scoping Review

Suyanne Soares Lima — 2026-02-04

With the incorporation of technologies into the social fabric, changes in people’s behaviors and lifestyles have been observed. Social networks have become widespread forces, a context in which Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has emerged, a fear of missing out on a particular event. Given this problem, it is worth reflecting on digital relationships. A Scoping Review was conducted using the SciELO, MEDLINE and LILACS databases and a final sample of ten studies was obtained. The aim was to investigate FOMO from the perspective of Behavioral Psychology, with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The aim was also to discuss sociocultural aspects of the phenomenon and determine its relationship with self-esteem and dependence. A collectivist culture contributes to higher levels of FOMO and facilitates problematic use. Higher levels of FOMO arise with lower levels of self-esteem, and both self-esteem and FOMO showed a significant influence on time spent online. It was identified that virtual behavior is maintained by both positive and negative reinforcement, which would explain ambivalent use. FOMO expresses itself as cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance and incurs the loss of a meaningful life. Finally, this study reflected on the need for a more conscious use of technology.

A behavior analysis of the socioeducative measures in the Children and Adolescent Code

Gustavo Fernandes Scalvi — 2026-02-27

The notion of socioeducative measures first appears in laws in the Children and Adolescent Code (Law 8.069/1990), being considered a milestone in the paradigm of integral protection. Currently, there are still numerous challenges in the socioeducative system, such as high recidivism rates, low educational outcomes, and poor working conditions. The present study investigated, in light of Behavior Analysis, the contingencies present in the law of the Children and Adolescent Code regarding the application of socioeducative measures, mainly expressed between Articles 103 and 128. The results reveal incomplete definitions regarding antecedents (situations in which each measure should be applied) and consequences (expected objectives from the application of the measures), as well as inconsistencies between sections related to the adolescent or the authority. It is considered that incomplete contingencies directly impact the functioning of the socioeducative system, as the lack of legal operationalization leads to uncertainties of a practical nature. Thus, despite the great importance of the Code, its content is insufficient to guide socioeducative measures, relying on complementary documents. Finally, the implications of contingencies based on aversive control and the possibilities, from the perspective of Behavior Analysis, for overcoming some of the problems of the socio-educational system are discussed.

Computerized assessment of emotional expressiveness in children with autism using conditional discrimination

Kathiane Cagega Kuniyoshi — 2026-03-02

The present study aimed to evaluate the emotional expressivity of children with ASD through a computerized conditional discrimination procedure involving spoken basic emotions, facial expressions in drawings, and video situations. Two children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. Three sets of stimuli were used (dictated words, emotions in figures, and videos) related to the basic emotions of joy, sadness, surprise, anger, fear, and disgust/aversion. The experimental tasks were administered by Special Education professionals in a computerized format, evaluating conditional discriminations between spoken emotions-facial expression figures and spoken emotions-videos of scenes involving emotions. In the error analysis, one participant responded incorrectly in the first two trials containing figures and videos, while the other child showed a higher number of errors (n=5) in the video tasks compared to those using figures (n=2). The use of figures, videos, and conditional discrimination tasks in teaching emotional expressivity within the context of Special Education is discussed.

Teaching Academic Concepts: The Effects of Equivalence-Based Instruction

Hanne Augland — 2026-03-13

The present study examined the effect of equivalence-based instruction (EBI) on academic concept formation. Twenty-six college students experienced matching-to-sample (MTS) training to establish five measurable dimensions of behavior with four members each. We arranged a within-subject pre- and post-design. In addition, half of the participants experienced pre-training for two concepts, while the other half did not. The participants underwent training in a one-to-many training structure of five 4-member classes. All participants formed equivalence classes in the MTS format. Furthermore, all participants showed improved performance on fill-in and multiple-choice post-tests. The results indicate that EBI can promote generative outcomes in participants. However, pre-training some relations for half of the participants did not enhance the equivalence formation. The results in the study replicate earlier studies in that EBI effectively establishes academic concepts and facilitates generative outcomes. Additionally, it adds to the existing literature by repeatedly testing each potential emergent relation to determine whether participants formed equivalence classes.

Computerized and Interactive Training in Applied Behavior Analysis: An Integrative Review

Larissa Rodrigues Rosa — 2026-04-08

In-person training faces limitations in terms of reach. As an alternative, computerized and interactive training strategies stand out. These computerized and interactive methods offer a viable, cost-effective alternative with extensive potential for teaching complex skills. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the applicability of ICT, specifically the training content, participants, methodological aspects, and learning evaluation. The search utilized descriptors “interactive computer training”, “computer-based training”, e “applied behavior analysis” and “e-learning” in the Scopus and CAPES Journals databases, 17 empirical articles were analyzed, and it was identified that the majority collaborated with professionals or family members of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the aim of teaching behavioral intervention strategies based on applied behavior analysis. The results suggest that ICT has been consolidated in the teaching of skills and can be an alternative for the development of professionals.

Editor-in-Chief's note

Marcelo V. Silveira — 2026-04-08