Impact of training on cognitive representation of challenging behaviour in staff working with adults with intellectual disabilities

Background Cognitive representations of challenging behaviour among staff may influence therapeutic outcomes. This study looked at how cognitive dimensions of Identity, Cause, Consequences, Emotional Reaction and Treatment/Control are affected by training. Materials and Methods A theoretically derived questionnaire was used to measure the impact of an accredited training course. There were two experimental designs: a longitudinal design using participants as their own controls for repeated measures, and a comparative subjects design. All participants were staff working in statutory and voluntary care services. Results The experimental group outperformed the two control groups by more than would be expected, on the basis of pre-testing, on two of the five dimension measures, Cause and Treatment/Control. Conclusions It is important to evaluate outcomes of staff training that seeks to improve staff interactions in line with evidence-based practice. Changes in staff cognitive representation of challenging behaviour, as a result of training may be multi-dimensional.