Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Behavior Analysis and Therapy
Advisor
Baires, Natalia
Abstract
The field of behavior analysis is ever-evolving, just as the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis have instructed it to (Baer et al., 1968). Over time, certain procedures, such as electric shock, spanking, and restriction of movement (Leaf et al., 2021), have become unethical, which has resulted in modifications to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020), as well as everyday practice to ensure these unethical interventions are no longer utilized. Despite these advances, there are still areas that are lacking in the field. Therefore, the current paper will review the literature in behavior analysis that relates to assent, autonomy, self-determination, trauma-informed care, and various areas that branch from those topics, such as adverse childhood experiences, compassion, coercion, and more. To date, the literature is scarce and underscores the need for more research to be conducted related to the topics of assent and assent withdrawal from a behavior analytic perspective.