Restrictive Practices and the ‘Need’ for Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): A Critical Discourse Examination of Disability Policy Beliefs

Background: Few studies have considered policies which underpin the promotion of positive behaviour support (PBS). The present study examined policy beliefs about PBS and their relationship to restrictive practices. Methods: Discourse network analysis (a combination of critical discourse analysis and social network analysis) was used. Results: A total of 11 policies were examined from which 38 belief statements were coded. One cluster was identified which promoted 13 dominant beliefs. Dominant discourses related to law, safety and the environment were evident. A conceptual representation of the shared PBS beliefs demonstrated contradictions in PBS policy. Conclusions: There is evidence that PBS policies have become informal rules for using restrictive practices, not reducing them. They are also acting as surrogates to debate conflicts between political, personal and bureaucratic interests. Three recommendations for improved PBS policy are provided.