Pragmatism In ABA: Definition & Examples

Pragmatism Definition

Pragmatism in ABA is defined as the mood of psychology that involves understanding how important explanations are is through viewing whether it creates worthwhile results. This includes doing things that work while avoiding things that don't.

A pragmatic demeanor can help behavioral therapists understand their data and seek out interventions that are beneficial to everyone. 

This is preferred instead of having a reliance on technologies that are default, or treatments that are said to work on paper but fail to produce the kind of outcomes that therapists expect from clients.

Examples of Pragmatism

In ABA, some therapists change work locations to a setting that's entirely different from the one that they previously worked in and were trained around.

The methods of training in another region could be different since ABA's focus is on providing care to clients from an individual standpoint. 

In a new area, therapists just making their way into a new job finds out that most of their co-workers were taught by other behavioral therapists within different programs where the focus is on them first.

As time goes by, some end up working with people who notice and look for ways to solve issues in clients that are completely different from what they know. 

Sometimes, settings like this could produce good cooperation with people that aren't always in agreement on how problems are treated in therapy. However, some could be unable to compromise.

Being in a situation that's difficult to work with others in the profession, the therapist decides to use the ethical and professional approach to dealing with disagreements when they come up.

They continue to keep the patient first and become willing to listen when constructive criticism is given. These are pragmatic ideals being worked into the experience of providing ABA to clients. This results in a more satisfying workplace since happiness is rooted mostly in the care being given to clients.