Every action we take has a purpose. Understanding the consequences that maintain behaviors, especially for children or individuals with special needs, can help caregivers, educators, and therapists develop more effective strategies to support behaviors that benefit everyone.
Behavior analysts know that behaviors are maintained by four main consequences (or a combination): socially-mediated access (to things like attention or toys), socially-mediated escape (from demands), non-socially mediated access (things that just feel good!), and non-socially mediated escape (from noisy environments, discomfort, etc.) In this article, you will explore these behavioral functions and their common characteristics.
What is Behavior?
Behavior is simply anything an organism does. It is the response generated by various stimuli or inputs, which can include both internal and external factors. These responses can be conscious or subconscious, obvious or hidden, and may occur voluntarily or involuntarily. It can be observed, measured, and triggered by different stimuli.
Importance of Identifying the Functions of Behavior
Understanding the functions of behavior is essential for several reasons. It helps in:
- The prevention of undesirable behaviors - behaviors that aren’t beneficial for the individual and those around them, and therefore not sustainable
- Enables the selection of appropriate replacement behaviors
- Aids in the development of effective behavioral plans, particularly with applied behavior analysis.
What Are the Functions of Behavior?
How Knowing The Function Helps
Working with a professional to determine a function of a behavior that needs to change (either increase or decrease) is so important so that you don’t accidentally make things worse. What if you put a child in time out for yelling and the function of that behavior was escape! You would have inadvertently reinforced that behavior. A behavior analyst or other professional can work with parents, teachers, and caregivers to determine the most efficacious and appropriate function-based interventions.
Conclusion
Understanding the functions of behavior is crucial for addressing and managing various behavioral challenges effectively. By recognizing the underlying motivations behind these behaviors, caregivers, educators, and practitioners can develop targeted strategies to promote positive changes.
This knowledge not only aids in reducing behaviors that aren’t sustainable for the individual, but also empowers individuals to express their needs and desires in socially appropriate ways.