Effects of Video Modeling and Performance Feedback to Prepare Preservice Behavior Analysts to Deliver Compassionate Care when Interacting with Parents

Abstract The practice of behavior analysis requires not only the delivery of technically sound, evidence-based, effective interventions but also therapeutic rapport with the clients and families for whom the interventions are designed. Research across allied health professions has established the many benefits of developing an empathetic and positive relationship with clients, yet very little research has addressed how to prepare behavior analysts to do so. Compassionate care encompasses behaviors that integrate empathy and meaningful action to support one’s well-being (Taylor et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-018-00289-3 ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a video modeling intervention to improve seven specific compassionate care behaviors in the context of discussing a progress report with a client’s caregiver. Three of the five participants substantially improved their engagement in compassionate care skills after video modeling. The two remaining participants demonstrated increased levels of compassionate care skills but did not meet a predetermined mastery criterion with video modeling alone. However, both participants quickly met the mastery criterion with the addition of immediate performance feedback. Additional analyses indicate similar patterns of acquisition of specific skill development among the five participants. Furthermore, participants reported high acceptability of the intervention and results. Implications for preservice behavior analyst training are discussed.