Operant extinction is a behavioral procedure used to reduce the frequency of a previously reinforced behavior by discontinuing its reinforcement. Essentially, when the reinforcement maintaining a behavior is removed, that behavior gradually diminishes over time. However, it’s important to apply extinction carefully, following best practices outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), which include promoting a functionally equivalent replacement behavior through differential reinforcement.
When targeting maladaptive behaviors, it’s essential not only to reduce them but to simultaneously reinforce adaptive alternatives. For example, if a child is engaging in disruptive behavior for attention, the reinforcement (attention) is withheld during the behavior, while alternative, appropriate behaviors are rewarded with attention. This balanced approach ensures the behavior change is more effective and lasting.
Types of Operant Extinction
Extinction procedures can be applied across different types of reinforcement:
- Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Positive Reinforcement (Attention or Tangibles):
- Attention Extinction (Planned Ignoring): Involves withholding attention when the undesired behavior occurs and providing praise when appropriate behavior resumes.
- Tangible Extinction: Involves withholding access to a desired item when inappropriate behavior occurs.
Example: If a child cries for a candy bar in the store, the parent withholds the candy, even if the behavior escalates at first.
- Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Negative Reinforcement (Escape Extinction):
- This method ensures that undesired behavior does not allow an individual to escape from or avoid an aversive situation.
Example: A child tantrums to avoid cleaning their room. The therapist might guide the child to continue cleaning using prompts until the tantrum subsides, preventing escape from the task.
- Extinction of Behavior Maintained by Automatic Reinforcement (Sensory Extinction):
- Targets behaviors that are self-stimulating or pleasurable without external reinforcement. Sensory extinction involves masking or removing the sensory experience associated with the behavior. However, this practice should be approached with caution.
Example: To reduce hand-flapping, weighted hand devices may be used, or gloves might be introduced to prevent skin picking.
Key Effects of Extinction
- Gradual Decrease: Over time, the behavior decreases steadily in both frequency and intensity.
- Extinction Burst: Initially, there may be a temporary increase in the behavior’s intensity or frequency as the individual tests whether the reinforcement is truly gone. This often signals that the behavior is being correctly targeted.
- Spontaneous Recovery: Occasionally, the behavior may re-emerge after a period of decline. This is typically short-lived if the extinction process is maintained consistently.
- Resurgence: When reinforcement for an alternative behavior is reduced, the original, previously reinforced behavior may return.
- Resistance to Extinction: Some behaviors persist longer during extinction. Behaviors that required intermittent reinforcement or lower effort tend to show greater resistance compared to those that required continuous reinforcement or higher effort.
Tips for Implementing Extinction Successfully
- Consistency is Key: Ensure that everyone involved is consistent in withholding the reinforcement to avoid confusion and mixed messages.
- Pair with Differential Reinforcement: Reinforce a desired alternative behavior to provide a positive outlet and support behavior change.
- Monitor for Extinction Bursts: Be prepared for an initial surge in the behavior, and remain consistent through this phase to see long-term improvement.
By understanding and applying extinction procedures thoughtfully, ABA practitioners can reduce problematic behaviors while encouraging adaptive, replacement behaviors. Extinction should always be combined with careful observation, reinforcement strategies, and ethical considerations to ensure effective and respectful behavior change interventions.
