Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Community-Based Behavioral Support

Abstract

This study was the first of a two-phase investigation of factors affecting the outcomes of behavioral support for individuals with severe disabilities in community settings. It involved an initial literature review and semistructured interviews to obtain the perspectives of informed participants from three constituent groups: family members, direct service providers, and trainers/consultants. The descriptive data from these interviews were synthesized via content analysis procedures, resulting in the identification of 12 factor categories. The categories ranged from individual, setting, and plan-specific variables to broader considerations such as support provider interactions and systemic issues (e.g., agency/program-wide procedures, prevailing philosophies). The results of this study offer implications for practice and new directions for investigation.