Behavioral intent of power and affiliation: Implications for functional analysis

Functional analysis is determining the Intent (or purpose) a behavior serves by manipulating relevant variables. There are two major functions of problem behavior: (a) to obtain something desirable, such as attention from others or tangible objects/activities (positive reinforcement), and (b) to escape/avoid something aversive, such as a difficult task (negative reinforcement), However, two well-researched constructs from the social psychology literature-power/control and affiliation-may be valid outcomes for some students, The purpose of this article Is to consider power/control and affiliation as valid functions for some students' maladaptive behaviors and describe how school-based manipulations for testing them may be performed.