Attention Condition

Definition

In the Attention Condition, the therapist gives the child attention (even if it’s negative, like scolding) when the child engages in problem behavior to assess if the behavior is maintained by gaining attention from others.

Example

During a session, a child yells or throws items, and the therapist responds by saying, “Stop that!” If the child continues to engage in these behaviors after receiving this attention, it suggests that the behavior is maintained by attention. The therapist’s negative response (scolding) serves as reinforcement for the problem behavior in this condition.

Scroll to Top