What is likely to happen to challenging behaviors in the short term when reinforcement is withheld?

What is likely to happen to challenging behaviors in the short term when reinforcement is withheld?

• A. The behavior will immediately stop
• B. The behavior may initially increase before improving
• C. There will be no change in behavior
• D. The behavior will become less frequent

Answer: (B)

When reinforcement is withheld, it is common for challenging behaviors to initially increase before showing signs of improvement. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "extinction burst." During this phase, individuals may act out more intensely or more frequently in an attempt to regain the previously reinforced behavior or seek attention. This is a critical aspect of understanding behavior change, as it highlights the temporary escalation of challenging behaviors that can occur when a previously effective source of reinforcement is removed. Over time, as the behavior continues to be unreinforced, it is expected to decrease or diminish as the individual learns that the behavior will no longer yield the desired outcome.

When reinforcement is withheld, it is common for challenging behaviors to initially increase before showing signs of improvement. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "extinction burst." During this phase, individuals may act out more intensely or more frequently in an attempt to regain the previously reinforced behavior or seek attention. This is a critical aspect of understanding behavior change, as it highlights the temporary escalation of challenging behaviors that can occur when a previously effective source of reinforcement is removed. Over time, as the behavior continues to be unreinforced, it is expected to decrease or diminish as the individual learns that the behavior will no longer yield the desired outcome.