Applied Behavior Analysis
Mental disorders are one of the complicated health conditions that attract social and scientific solutions. According to Harvey, Luiselli, & Wong (2009, p. 212), the causes of mental illness could be a result of complex interactions between psychological, genetic, and neurological factors. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an essential tool to explain and manage mental disorders. Therefore it is crucial to understand what it is to be an ABA expert and the related issue.
ABA is an integrated module that helps to eliminate undesired behavior. Harvey, Luiselli, & Wong (2009, p. 214) state that behavior is a complex process that understanding of environment interaction and neurological process. In a school setting, the process is a little tricky as the process must differentiate childish behavior and disability. Therefore, to effectively implement ABA, an expert need to understand the biological processes and how they interact with the surrounding to produce a character.
The competence of ABA relies on principles that must align with psychological principles. According to the American Psychological Association. (2017, p. 2) psychologist principles include integrity, beneficence and nonmaleficence, and justice. These ethical standards ensure that behavior modification principles are without harm and for the best need of the patient and, by extension, humanity.
The study of ABA also elicits an interesting debate as to whether personality shapes behavior, or it is the other way round. The treatment of mental illness in children depend on the manipulation of antecedent or consequences (Harvey, Luiselli, & Wong (2009, p. 215). This approach to treating psychological disorder demonstrate that a personality is a determinant of behavior and not the other way.
The other questions that arise are cultural implications and use the benefits of ABA. Many cultures do have characteristics, values, and preferences that dictate the implementation of behavior modification techniques. Therefore, psychologists must understand the culture they operate in before implementing their strategy. As for the benefits of ABA, Harvey, Luiselli, & Wong (2009, p. 215) claim that the technique applies to a wide range of disorders such as nervous habits and muscle tics. To get the full benefit of the method, they must match the needs and cultural aspects of the community.
In summary, ABA is an essential behavior modeling tactic applicable to any mental condition. However, there are issues such as ethical principles of psychological practice and culture to consider. The technique has numerous benefits in different circumstances that can come out if these principles meet cultural and ethical considerations.