Moving Away from Coercion: Social Justice and Behavior Change in Disability Services

Abstract

The use of coercion to alter behavior in persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities has a long history. Despite the work of leaders in the development of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), the use of chemical, mechanical, physical or personal, and environmental restraints continues, resulting in traumatization, physical and emotional harm, and in some instances, death. When coercion is used, the trust between people breaks down, and the lack of trust is reinforced by the power differentials present when coercion occurs. Social justice provides an avenue for rebalancing power and regaining trust, but people affected by disabilities have historically been excluded from theories of social justice and, in some cases, do not fall within the definition of what it means to be a person in the paradigms put forth by a number of different authors. The term non-coercive has been used in an attempt to reframe behavior change theories and practices, but this term describes the absence of negative circumstances and interventions, rather than the presence of positive and affirming interactions which improve the quality of life of all stakeholders.