I-E-B-R – A Levels of Analysis Approach
Before you respond to disturbing behavior, take some time to figure out the “why” of the behavior, regardless of how maladaptive it seems. Start from an assumption that all behavior has some functional reason. We simply need to figure out what that reason is.
Behavior, especially extreme behavior, is usually in the service of managing some intolerable emotion. Emotion arises from some issue or conflict between developmental issues that are not well understood or handled effectively. For the five kids we are following, we can see that their behaviors were intended to avoid feelings of worthlessness or depression, loneliness or alienation, and humiliation or shame. Giving rise to those feelings were the issues of the need to feel adequate and fit in.
A useful tool, that I teach beginning therapists, is to create a Levels of Analysis chart that concretely shows the linkage between Issue – Emotion – Behavior – Response. Doing so often sends the therapist in search of the underlying emotion and issue rather than reflexively offering a response or treatment for a given behavior. The same value holds for parents in understanding the behavior of their children. It guides the parent in terms of highlighting what understanding may be missing for them and their child and what they need to figure out. Often it leads to asking more questions instead of assuming they know and acting upon that assumption. Sometimes it allows for maintaining the silence necessary to allow the child to explain what is going on. Holding your tongue and remaining curious is hard to do when their behavior scares you or angers you. But if you can analyze before you act, your response will be far more effective, plus you will promote the very process of internal discipline and self-regulation you want your child to develop.
| Issue |
| Emotion |
| Behavior |
| Response |