This comparison draws in part from “Ethical Considerations in Sticky Situations & Occupational Wellness” by Adrienne Bradley, M.Ed., BCBA., LBA (MI/MD) (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For ethical considerations in sticky situations & occupational wellness, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-making process | Apply established rules, codes, and policies to determine the correct action | Systematically evaluate benefits and risks of each alternative for all stakeholders |
| Strengths | Clear, consistent, and defensible when rules directly address the situation | Flexible, thorough, and applicable to novel situations not covered by existing rules |
| Limitations | May not address novel situations; rules may conflict with each other | More time-consuming; requires judgment in weighing competing considerations |
| Best used when | Ethical codes or policies clearly specify the appropriate action | Multiple ethical obligations conflict, or the situation is not clearly addressed by existing codes |
| Workplace application | Following the ethics code provision that most directly addresses the dilemma | Weighing employee health, client welfare, organizational needs, and long-term consequences |
| Documentation | Document which rule or code was applied and how it guided the decision | Document the stakeholders, alternatives, potential outcomes, and reasoning process |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching ethical considerations in sticky situations & occupational wellness in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Ethical Considerations in Sticky Situations & Occupational Wellness — Adrienne Bradley · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $40
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
233 research articles with practitioner takeaways
205 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $40 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.