Longitudinal research and functional behavioral assessment issues

The role of functional behavioral assessment is contrasted with a longitudi nal risk factors exposure model for understanding and predicting maladaptiv e behavioral outcomes in applied settings, and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed. The functional behavioral assessment appro ach is viewed as having great value for analyzing and understanding the soc ial contingencies and contextual factors that sustain maladaptive behavior within specific settings. The risk factors exposure model is more macro in nature and is useful for understanding and predicting the development of ma ladaptive behavior across time and settings in a longitudinal, developmenta l sense. The integration of the two approaches is viewed as necessary in or der to gain a comprehensive, complete understanding of the origins and dyna mics of maladaptive behavior patterns among at-risk children and youth.