Behaviour as relational process: linking theory to practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Behaviour supports in schools and educational psychology practices have been largely influenced by the view of human behaviour as individual action. Individual action-focused practices are associated with identifying, labelling and separating individual young people. This paper argues for a relational process-oriented understanding of human behaviour that can lead to more dynamic practices that are responsive to complexity and diversity. This paper explores how a relational lens in practice could shift the conversation from severe behaviour challenges to behaviour as a relational process and generate more collaborative, inclusive and culturally responsive school practices. A growing interest in relationally oriented practices is evident in the increasing use of culturally responsive, restorative, narrative, and solution-focused practices in schools. What seems to be missing is a conceptual shift that would allow relational orientation in current practices to be better recognised and strategically developed.