Foundations of Preemptive Compassion: A Behavioral Concept Analysis of Compulsion, Consent, and Assent

Foundations of Preemptive Compassion: A Behavioral Concept Analysis of Compulsion, Consent, and Assent
Anna M. Linnehan, Awab Abdel-Jalil, Sheila Klick, Jonathan Amey, Richele Yeich, Kyle Hetzel
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15 December 2023
Abstract
The recent changes to the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts along with the calls to action for compassionate care have highlighted the need for a reevaluation of behavior research and clinical programs. We propose a behavior analytic definition of compassion where the relieving or prevention of distress is the reinforcer for the professional. One way of minimizing distress may be to require that assent be provided by a participant in an intervention. The definition of assent typically includes reference to willingness to participate in an intervention or activity. We provide a framework that goes beyond simple willingness to participate and distinguishes between apparent/implicit coercion and genuine assent by considering the alternatives described as degrees of freedom available to the participant. We distinguish between compulsion/explicit coercion, consent, and assent. Additionally, we will differentiate genuine consent and assent from apparent consent and assent in the design of compassionate behavioral programs.

Editor’s Note: [Excerpts from Ethics Code]
2.11 Obtaining Informed Consent
Behavior analysts are responsible for knowing about and complying with all conditions under which they are required to obtain informed consent from clients, stakeholders, and research participants (e.g., before initial implementation of assessments or behavior-change interventions, when making substantial changes to interventions, when exchanging or releasing confidential information or records). They are responsible for explaining, obtaining, reobtaining, and documenting required informed consent. They are responsible for obtaining assent from clients when applicable
6.04 Informed Consent in Research (see 1.04, 2.08, 2.11)
Behavior analysts are responsible for obtaining informed consent (and assent when relevant) from potential research participants under the conditions required by the research review committee. When behavior analysts become aware that data obtained from past or current clients, stakeholders, supervisees, and/or trainees during typical service delivery might be disseminated to the scientific community, they obtain informed consent for use of the data before dissemination, specify that services will not be impacted by providing or withholding consent, and make available the right to withdraw consent at any time without penalty.