Introduction to Challenging Behaviours

Challenging behaviour can be defined as “any behaviour of an individual, which has the potential to cause physical or psychological harm to themselves, another person, or to property around them. It does not have to be deliberate acts” (Health Insights, 2016).  Challenging behaviours can be triggered by single or combination of the following factors:

Intrinsic factors

Personal feelings, thoughts, emotions and health status:
• Feeling unwell or in pain
• Hormonal changes may cause aggression
• Feeling upset or distressed about something
• Depression, anxiety or excitement
• Boredom or lack of stimulation or loneliness
• Lack of understanding
• Seeking attention

Intrinsic factors

Extrinsic factors

Environment and people around them who can trigger a behavioural response:
• Frustration at being told off
• Not being listened to or not being understood
• A change of routine
• Unfamiliar environment
• Lack of personal space
• Confrontion by others

Extrinsic factors

Challenging behaviours, violence and aggression are a huge concern in health and social care settings. It’s important that, as healthcare professionals, you understand how to predict, diffuse and manage incidents of violence and aggression in order to protect yourself and those around you. One of the most important skills to develop is an ability to recognise the triggers and to manage these warning signs.