Using wearable technology to evaluate the electrodermal activity of therapists assessing challenging behavior

TL;DR

This paper explores using wearable tech to measure therapists' physiological responses during interactions with challenging behavior, aiming to improve staff well-being and performance.

Contribution

The paper introduces the use of electrodermal activity (EDA) monitoring as a novel method to objectively assess therapists' physiological responses during challenging behavior assessments.

Findings

Preliminary data showed acute physiological arousal in therapists during challenging behavior assessments.

EDA monitoring can capture physiological responses relevant to challenging behavior contexts.

Technical barriers to using EDA monitoring were identified, suggesting areas for improvement.

Abstract

Identifying objective ways to measure a therapist's physiological responding when encountering challenging behavior has the potential to guide future work in staff performance, well‐being, and retention. The current technical report summarizes controlled measures of therapists' electrodermal activity (EDA) while implementing functional analyses of challenging behavior. The technology used to monitor EDA, analyses relevant to EDA in the context of challenging behavior, and technical barriers related to the use of these measures are discussed. Preliminary data from three therapists suggested that indicators of acute physiological arousal are present in functional analyses, particularly surrounding occurrences of challenging behavior. Support for the further development of these technologies is provided.

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