What is meant by "the behavior of concern"?

The term "the behavior of concern" refers specifically to the behavior that has been identified as needing intervention within a behavior modification program. This designation is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows practitioners to focus their efforts on changing specific behaviors that may be maladaptive, harmful, or otherwise problematic for the individual or their environment. By identifying a targeted behavior, practitioners can create tailored interventions that aim to reduce, modify, or replace this behavior with more appropriate alternatives.

Identifying a behavior of concern involves careful assessment and observation to ensure that the selected behavior truly impacts the individual's functioning or quality of life. For instance, if a child is engaging in aggressive behaviors towards peers, that behavior would be considered a behavior of concern in the context of their social development and safety.

In contrast, behaviors that are merely praised by caregivers, exhibited indiscriminately, or those that are less troublesome do not represent the targeted areas for change. The focus of intervention is always on those specific behaviors that require attention to foster positive outcomes.