Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures

The concept of this article is based on the work of Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D.

The Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures is a decision-making model for working with behavior change.
It is not based on specific techniques, but on an ethical and functional framework that guides the selection of procedures:

• as positive as possible
• as least intrusive as possible
• at the same time effective

This approach is also known as:

Humane Hierarchy

Core Principle

The key criterion is not “whether an intervention works,” but:

How the chosen intervention works and what impact it has on the individual.

Dr. Friedman emphasizes:

• the degree of control the individual has over their own behavior and its consequences
• the level of stress and aversiveness
• the long-term effects on learning and relationships

Structure of the Hierarchy (simplified overview)

The hierarchy is not a “ranking of methods,” but a decision-making process moving from less intrusive to more intrusive interventions:

Medical and physiological factors
→ pain, illness, discomfort

Environmental arrangements (antecedent arrangements)
→ prevention of problem behavior by changing conditions

Positive reinforcement
→ strengthening desired behavior

Differential reinforcement (DRI, DRA, DRO)
→ systematic work with alternative behavior

Extinction
→ removal of reinforcement for unwanted behavior

Negative reinforcement and negative punishment
→ working with the removal or addition of stimuli

Positive punishment (highest level of intrusiveness)
→ only in exceptional cases, with extreme caution

What is Essential (and Often Misunderstood)

The hierarchy is not a recipe.

It is:

• a decision-making guide
• a framework for ethical consideration
• a tool for reflecting on one’s own practice

Friedman explicitly notes:

“Hierarchies are too often misconstrued as recipes when in fact they are guidelines.”

Intrusiveness = Key Concept

Intrusiveness is not about how “pleasant” a method is.

It is defined as:

the degree to which the individual has control over their own outcomes

This means:

• the same procedure can be more or less intrusive depending on the situation
• context is always critical
• professionals must use judgment, not blindly follow rules

Relevance for Feline Activities & Behavior

This model is fully compatible with an approach that emphasizes:

• cat welfare
• respect for the animal’s autonomy
• working with environment and relationships
• bottom-up regulation

In the context of working with cats, this means:

• not overloading the animal with demands
• avoiding pressure or hidden forms of coercion
• understanding behavior as the result of interaction between organism and environment

Source

Primary article:

Friedman, S. G.
“What’s Wrong With This Picture? Effectiveness Is Not Enough.”

Available online:
https://www.behaviorworks.org/files/articles/What%27s%20Wrong%20With%20this%20Picture-General.pdf

Summary

• The hierarchy is not a list of techniques, but an ethical decision-making framework
• The goal is to minimize intrusiveness and maximize the individual’s control
• Effectiveness alone is not enough
• Professional practice requires judgment, knowledge, and reflection