Which extinction procedure reduces problem behavior maintained by escape by withholding escape?

Which extinction procedure reduces problem behavior maintained by escape by withholding escape?

• A. Escape extinction
• B. Attention extinction
• C. Tangible extinction
• D. Sensory extinction

Answer: (A)

Escape extinction is the procedure that reduces problem behavior maintained by escape by withholding the escape response. When a behavior serves to avoid or escape a demand, continuing the demand and not allowing escape removes the negative reinforcement that was maintaining the behavior. Over time, the individual learns that escaping is no longer possible, so the problem behavior decreases. This is most effective when paired with an alternative, appropriate way to request a break or to modify the task, and when safety is considered because demands may intensify at first. Other extinction types target different reinforcers: withholding attention addresses attention-maintained behavior, withholding tangibles targets access to preferred items, and withholding sensory input addresses automatic reinforcement.

Escape extinction is the procedure that reduces problem behavior maintained by escape by withholding the escape response. When a behavior serves to avoid or escape a demand, continuing the demand and not allowing escape removes the negative reinforcement that was maintaining the behavior. Over time, the individual learns that escaping is no longer possible, so the problem behavior decreases. This is most effective when paired with an alternative, appropriate way to request a break or to modify the task, and when safety is considered because demands may intensify at first. Other extinction types target different reinforcers: withholding attention addresses attention-maintained behavior, withholding tangibles targets access to preferred items, and withholding sensory input addresses automatic reinforcement.