Peer-Led Virtual BST for Active and Empathetic Listening

Episode: Peer-Led Virtual BST for Active and Empathetic Listening

Host: Matt Harrington

1. Introduction

Matt introduces the episode and explains the relevance of empathy and supervision quality in ABA. The focus is on a study by Law et al. (2024) that uses peer-led BST to teach listening skills virtually.

2. Why Supervision & Empathy Matter

Empathy and rapport influence client outcomes, staff morale, and supervisory relationships. These skills are foundational yet often overlooked.

3. Featured Article

Law et al. (2024): Peer-led BST delivered via Zoom to teach 14 active and empathetic listening behaviors to graduate students.

4. The Case for Virtual BST

Virtual BST scales staff training across locations, saves expert time, and improves consistency—especially helpful for onboarding new interns or RBTs.

5. Defining Empathy as Observable Behavior

• Reflective statements
• Emotion-mirroring
• Eye contact
• Open-ended questions
• Back-channeling cues

6. Study Purpose

• Teach 14 listening behaviors via virtual peer-led BST
• Assess generalization to untrained mock interviews

7. Methodology

• Participants: 6 graduate students in 3 dyads
• Design: Nonconcurrent multiple baseline
• Procedures: Baseline, video modeling, peer-led BST, expert coaching (as needed), and generalization probes

8. Peer-Led BST Sequence

• Written definitions
• Video modeling
• Role-plays with checklist feedback
• Mastery = 90% accuracy across 2 sessions

9. Results

• 4 of 6 participants reached mastery with peer-led BST
• 2 required additional expert coaching
• Most behaviors generalized to mock client interviews

10. Challenges in Social Skills Research

Real-world generalization remains difficult. Law et al. stand out by reporting generalization data, not just lab-based gains.

11. Clinical Implications

• Operationalize interpersonal behaviors for training
• Create high-quality models once, reuse them widely
• Plan for ongoing coaching and performance checks

12. Scalability

Peer-led BST reduces expert bottlenecks. Small teams can appoint lead RBTs or BCBAs to supervise fidelity and maintain skill levels.

13. Recommendations for Implementation

• Start with 5–8 core behaviors
• Use precise video models (correct/incorrect)
• Build simple checklists
• Schedule short BST rounds regularly
• Add monthly booster sessions

14. Additional Resources

• Law et al. (2024): Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Miltenberger (2011): Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures
• Koegel et al. (1996): Strategies for social skills generalization
• Visit: behavioristbookclub.com/streamline for related CEUs

15. Final Thoughts

Virtual BST offers scalable, effective ways to teach soft skills in ABA. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your team.