Aversive-Nonaversive Issue: Tip of the Iceberg

ABSTRACT

This article addresses the lack of communication between child behavior analysis (CBA) and what has been referred to as “mainstream clinical child psychology” (MCCP). It is suggested that the emotionality of the aversive-nonaversive debate is attributable in part to a lack of information exchange among these two sub-specialties. Distinct contributions of CBA and MCCP are examined in each of the following four areas: population, assessment, research, and treatment. Recommendations are made for enhancing child clinical psychology by (a) promoting constructive communication, and (b) integrating components of the two approaches.