The Latency-Based Interview-Informed, Synthesized Contingency Analysis (IISCA): A Clinical Validation and Replication of 34 Applications in the USA and Brazil

Behavioral treatments for problem behavior are known to be more effective when informed by a functional analysis. However, evaluating problem behavior during a functional analysis requires observation of repeated instances of problem behavior, which could be a safety concern. Using latency as a measure can improve safety by reducing exposure to problem behavior. We conducted this two-part study to determine if latency could be integrated into the recently developed functional analysis format termed the interview-informed, synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA).

Each of the nine participants from Brazil experienced two functional analyses (study 1): latency-based IISCA and rate-based IISCA. We then evaluated the generality of the latency-based IISCA from 16 replications in the USA and Brazil (study 2).

The results indicated a high level of correspondence between the two functional analyses, suggesting that latency is likely a valid measure of problem behavior during the IISCA. We found that the latency-based IISCA identified a function in less than 20 min with the observation of only three instances of problem behavior. In addition, clinicians provided high ratings of acceptability, helpfulness, safety, and efficiency.

Clinicians may be able to avoid repeated instances of problem behavior during a functional analysis using the latency-based IISCA when safety or time is of concern.