A blocking and distance management staff training intervention for torso- and head-directed aggression

Although decades of behavior-analytic studies have focused on decreasing the aggressive behavior of clients, relatively little research has been conducted on preventing injuries for the staff members who implement treatment plans. In this study, three direct-care staff members working with clients presenting with aggressive behavior were taught targeted blocking and distance management techniques designed to keep the clients safe while preventing injuries to the participants. Findings indicated that all staff members acquired the target skills in simulations, after which the skills for two participants generalized to the natural work environment.