Planned Ignoring

Planned Ignoring is a behavior reduction strategy in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) where attention or reinforcement is intentionally withheld when a specific, inappropriate behavior occurs. By not providing the usual reinforcement (such as attention, comfort, or reactions) for the behavior, the goal is to decrease the likelihood of the behavior continuing. This method is commonly used to address attention-seeking behaviors.

Example

A child frequently interrupts the teacher during lessons to gain attention. Instead of reacting or acknowledging the interruption, the teacher implements planned ignoring by not responding to the child’s interruptions. Over time, as the child no longer receives attention for the behavior, the frequency of interruptions is expected to decrease.

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