Transforming Negative Events into Positive Interactions: A Positive Systems Approach Using Re-Direction

When working with individuals facing behavioural challenges, there’s an opportunity to transform potential negative events into positive interactions. One key approach that has been incorporated into Positive Systems Approach (PSA) was championed by Dr. John McGee using a process which he termed “Gentle Teaching”.  The goal is to teach the value of human presence, leading to active participation, and finally, reward. By focusing on compassion, respect, and patience, caregivers can foster trust and cooperation in individuals who may be experiencing behavioural difficulties.

PSA emphasizes the importance of establishing a sincere and consistent relationship between the caregiver and the individual. This method, while challenging to implement in large group settings, can be highly effective when one central caregiver works closely with the individual, developing trust and fostering progress over time. This method takes patience and persistence, often requiring weeks or even months before the individual begins to value human interaction and social rewards.

From a behavioural perspective, I view this method as a form of Differential Reward of Alternative Behaviours, a Applied Behaviour Analysis strategy designed to redirect undesirable behaviour toward more acceptable alternatives. This post will explore the essential steps in this redirection process, including ignoring and interrupting negative behaviours, redirecting individuals toward positive alternatives, and effectively rewarding positive actions.

Section 1: The Dynamic Process of Re-Direction

The steps in this approach (Ignore, Interrupt, Redirect, Reward) are not meant to be rigid or isolated actions. Instead, they function as a dynamic, fluid process that happens in real-time. Ignoring or interrupting problematic behaviour should lead almost instantly into redirection, guiding the individual toward a more positive activity where they can be rewarded for their participation.

Rather than focusing on punishment or reprimand, the aim is to diminish the power of negative behaviour by withholding attention from it. The subsequent redirection serves to teach the individual that positive behaviour, rather than negative behaviour, will earn them rewards. This shift in attention from punishment to positive reinforcement is central to the method.

Section 2: Step 1 – Ignoring and Interrupting Destructive or Disruptive Behaviours

When an individual engages in disruptive or destructive behaviour, the instinct may be to respond immediately with negative attention. However, in PSA, caregivers are encouraged to avoid giving any verbal or non-verbal attention that might reinforce the behaviour. This means refraining from reprimands, threats, or punishments. Instead, the goal is to ignore the behaviour itself without ignoring the person.

The Power of Ignoring

Ignoring the disruptive behaviour helps to defuse its impact and take away its power. It allows the caregiver to remain calm and focused on teaching, without escalating the situation. Importantly, ignoring must be balanced with the need for safety. If the individual poses an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, caregivers must intervene physically to stop the danger (e.g., blocking a hit). In these cases, the focus should shift to interruption, preventing harm while maintaining a calm and warm demeanor. Once the immediate threat has passed, the caregiver can continue with the steps to encourage positive behaviour.

Key Points:

• Ignore the behaviour, not the person.

• Avoid giving negative attention that might reinforce the behaviour.

• Intervene only when necessary to prevent harm.

Section 3: Step 2 – Redirecting to Positive Behaviours

After ignoring or interrupting the disruptive behaviour, the next crucial step is redirection. The purpose of redirection is to shift the focus from the negative behaviour to an appropriate alternative. The caregiver must communicate that the disruptive behaviour is not effective, while showing that a positive alternative will lead to a rewarding experience.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Redirection works best when applied early, before the negative behaviour fully escalates. This minimizes the individual’s frustration and makes it easier to transition to a new activity. Caregivers should use minimal cues to avoid unintentionally reinforcing the negative behaviour. Non-verbal gestures, such as pointing or guiding the individual’s attention to an alternative task, can be effective in redirecting behaviour.

In some cases, the caregiver may need to use a hierarchy of prompts, starting with subtle cues and escalating to more direct guidance if necessary. For example, the caregiver might point to a task, place the learning material in front of the individual, or physically guide their movements. The prompts should be specific and consistent, ensuring that the individual understands what is expected of them.

Redirection requires patience, and it’s important to reward even the smallest attempt at participation. As soon as the individual engages in the redirected task, the caregiver should offer positive reinforcement.

Key Points:

• Redirect the individual to a positive alternative behaviour.

• Use minimal verbal and non-verbal cues to avoid reinforcing negative behaviour.

• Apply redirection early to prevent escalation.

Section 4: Step 3 – Rewarding Positive Behaviour

Rewards play a pivotal role in encouraging positive behaviour and reinforcing the learning process. Rewards are not just about offering material incentives, but about meaningful social rewards—genuine expressions of pleasure, approval, and connection. These social rewards help teach the individual to value human interaction and cooperation.

The Role of Contingent Positive Reinforcement

Caregivers can reward the individual at any point during a task, whether it’s at the initiation, during participation, or upon completion. Positive reinforcement should be contingent on the individual’s actions, meaning it is given in response to specific desirable behaviours. This helps the individual understand the connection between their actions and the rewards they receive.

Premack Principle: A powerful strategy in rewarding behaviour is the use of the Premack Principle, which involves pairing a less desirable task with a more enjoyable activity. For example, a caregiver might say, "After we clean up, we’ll go for a drive." This pairing helps to motivate the individual to complete less preferred tasks by associating them with more enjoyable rewards.

Key Points:

• Reward positive behaviour with meaningful social rewards.

• Use contingent reinforcement, rewarding actions that align with desired behaviours.

• Apply the Premack Principle to pair less desirable tasks with more rewarding activities.

Section 5: Creating Opportunities for Success

A key component of PSA is setting the stage for the individual to succeed. Caregivers should look for natural opportunities throughout the day when the individual is already engaged in positive behaviour. This could include simple actions like sitting quietly, completing a task, or eating a meal. By rewarding these behaviours, caregivers reinforce the idea that positive actions lead to enjoyable interactions.

Encouraging Interdependence

PSA encourages interdependence—the idea that working together can be more rewarding than doing tasks alone. Caregivers can enhance the individual's day by joining in on tasks, making them more enjoyable and helping the person feel connected to others. This fosters a sense of community and collaboration, which is vital for building trust and reinforcing positive behaviour.

Key Points:

• Find opportunities for the individual to succeed and reward those behaviours.

• Encourage interdependence, working together on tasks to create positive experiences.

Conclusion: Implementing Re-Direction Techniques for Positive Behavioural Change

PSA provides a compassionate and effective framework for working with individuals experiencing behavioural challenges. By focusing on positive reinforcement, redirection, and building strong, trusting relationships, caregivers can transform negative behaviours into opportunities for growth and connection. Through patience, consistency, and genuine engagement, the individual learns to value human interaction, leading to long-term behavioural change and a more rewarding experience for both the caregiver and the individual.

This process takes time and requires dedication, but the outcomes—a sense of trust, community, and positive social interaction—are worth the effort. Whether applied in individual caregiving or group home settings, this approach offers a pathway toward success for individuals who might otherwise struggle with more traditional behaviour management systems.