This comparison draws in part from “Conflict Resolution: An Essential Skill for Every Leader” by Ellie Kazemi, PhD (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 conflict resolution: an essential skill for every leader, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Timing of conflict engagement | Reactive: Conflict is addressed after it has already escalated or damaged a relationship | Proactive: Conflict is surfaced early — at the first sign of tension — before escalation and relationship damage |
| Relational preparation | Reactive: Professional relationships are built without explicit attention to how disagreements will be handled | Proactive: Collaborative norms and explicit disagreement processes are established at the start of professional relationships |
| Leader skill level | Reactive: Skills develop informally through experience; repertoire limited to situations previously encountered | Proactive: Skills developed deliberately through structured practice, role-play, and reflection; repertoire broader and more flexible |
| Effect on team culture | Reactive: Team learns that conflicts are handled inconsistently; staff become uncertain whether raising concerns is safe | Proactive: Team learns that conflicts are handled promptly and fairly; staff develop confidence that concerns will be addressed |
| Internal experience of the leader | Reactive: Leader's internal response to conflict — avoidance, reactivity — drives behavior under pressure | Proactive: ACT-informed psychological flexibility; leader acts from values rather than being driven by emotional reactivity |
| Client welfare impact | Reactive: Variable; unresolved conflicts affect treatment consistency and caregiver engagement in unpredictable ways | Proactive: More consistent protection of treatment quality through stable caregiver and team relationships |
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 conflict resolution: an essential skill for every leader 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.
Conflict Resolution: An Essential Skill for Every Leader — Ellie Kazemi · 1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $10
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
244 research articles with practitioner takeaways
233 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $10 · 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.