Research article

A Study on the Intervention of Inattentive Behaviors in Children with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Based on Positive Behavior Support 

Ziai Liu
,
Yixin Li
,
Xiaodi Xie
,
Hangjie Zhang
,
Mingyu Ye

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) based on Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to reduce inattentive behaviors in children with moderate intellectual disabilities. Employing a multiple-baseline design, three 15-year-old male students from a special education school in Shandong participated in individualized interventions lasting 9–15 sessions. Strategies included classroom environment adjustments, behavior cues, differential reinforcement, and timely behavioral interruptions. Results showed substantial reductions in inattentive behaviors across all three cases, with Case J showing the greatest improvement (from 11.78 to 2.45 instances per session), followed by Cases W and G, with decreases of 6.44 and 4.97, respectively. All cases had a Tau effect size of 1.00, reflecting strong intervention effectiveness. Participants also displayed enhanced focus, self-regulation, and quality of life, as reported by teachers and parents. However, limitations such as short intervention durations and limited parent involvement were noted, pointing to the need for extended interventions and stronger home-school partnerships. Overall, PBS proved to be an effective and flexible approach to improving classroom behaviors and social adaptability in children with moderate intellectual disabilities.


Keywords

Positive Behavior Support
Functional Behavioral Assessment
moderate intellectual disabilities
inattentive behaviors
classroom intervention
special education

Author’s information

Ziai Liu
Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
Yixin Li
Dongguan Nancheng Sunshine NO.5 Primary School, Dongguan 523000, China
South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
Xiaodi Xie
Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
Hangjie Zhang
Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
Mingyu Ye
Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China

Corresponding author Email:

2023300208@snnu.edu.cn
(
Hangjie Zhang
)
walteryezi5233@gmail.com
(
Mingyu Ye
)

About the article

Ziai Liu, Yixin Li, Xiaodi Xie, Hangjie Zhang, & Mingyu Ye. (2025). A Study on the Intervention of Inattentive Behaviors in Children with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities Based on Positive Behavior Support. Journal of Global Trends in Social Science, 2(2), 31-45. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70731/2x0a9r39

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2025
The Author(s). Published by Jandoo Press.