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Q: What's the difference between an antecedent and a precursor?
A: An antecedent refers to a stimulus or event occurring in the environment prior to the behavior of interest. A precursor refers to the individual's behavior occurring prior to the behavior of interest. A behavior analyst is interested in both antecedents and precursors for similar, but different reasons. If an antecedent such as a change in someone's routine frequently results in disruptive or aggressive behavior, we may design a treatment that helps staff and persons served be better prepared in the future when a change is unavoidable.
For example, we might simply explain to the individual that the change is happening and provide him with an alternative, preferred activity in its place. If a precursor such as balling of fists, heavy breathing, pacing, or mumbling frequently precedes more disruptive or aggressive behavior, we may be able to develop an intervention that allows staff to intervene earlier when those precursors or warning signs are observed. For example, we might ask that staff implement de-escalation strategies such as redirecting the individual to a more appropriate or scheduled activity or prompting the individual to talk through the issue with someone.