Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

What is an effective therapeutic intervention for a child who exhibits temper tantrums when denied certain behaviors?

1. Ignore the tantrums to avoid reinforcing bad behavior

2. Try to distract him when he becomes frustrated and reward him for positive behaviors

3. Reinforce the tantrums by allowing him to throw food after a tantrum

4. Consistently use punishment for each tantrum even if it escalates

The correct answer is: Try to distract him when he becomes frustrated and reward him for positive behaviors

The choice of attempting to distract the child when he becomes frustrated and rewarding him for positive behaviors represents a proactive approach to behavior management. This method leverages the principles of positive reinforcement, which focus on encouraging desired behaviors instead of merely reacting to negative behaviors. By distracting the child, you help to redirect his focus away from frustration, reducing the likelihood of a tantrum. Additionally, rewarding positive behaviors reinforces those behaviors, making it more likely the child will repeat them in the future. Children benefit from clear guidance on acceptable behavior and positive feedback when they exhibit this behavior. This helps them learn to manage their emotions better and reduces the frequency of tantrums over time. This approach fosters a supportive environment, encouraging the child to express their feelings in constructive ways rather than resorting to tantrums as a means of communication. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children appropriate emotional and behavioral responses, which is key in therapeutic settings.