All behavior serves a purpose: to get something or avoid something. We behave in certain ways for a reason, whether we realize it or not. To help you understand why we do the things we do, here’s an outline of the 4 functions of behaviors.
Understanding these functions allows us to respond in ways that are more helpful. Figuring out why a behavior is happening, instead of just noting what is happening, helps us to find the best interventions and support.
We’ll go over the main functions of behavior: escape/avoidance, attention-seeking, access to tangibles, and automatic/sensory reinforcement. We’ll also give you some ideas about how to figure out why a behavior is happening and what to do with that information.
The Four Functions of Behavior: An Overview
Behavior analysts have identified four main reasons why we do what we do. All of our behaviors, no matter how complex or seemingly random, serve one or more of these functions:
Escape or Avoidance
Sometimes we do things to get away from something we don’t like. Running away when the teacher announces a pop quiz is an example of avoidance. Throwing a plate of vegetables on the ground to get out of eating them is an example of escape.
Escape and avoidance are related to negative reinforcement. With negative reinforcement, something unpleasant is taken away to increase the likelihood of a behavior. In this case, the unpleasant situation is removed, which reinforces the behavior.
Attention-Seeking
We are social creatures, and sometimes we do things to get attention from others, whether that attention is positive or negative. A child falling out of a chair or a student disrupting class are both examples of attention-seeking behavior.
Even negative attention, such as scolding or reprimands, can reinforce a behavior if it meets the need for social interaction.
Access to Tangible Items
Sometimes we do things to get something we want. A child hitting another child to get a toy or engaging in certain behaviors to get an iPad are examples of this.
Setting clear expectations and using desired items as rewards can help shape behavior in a positive way.
Automatic or Sensory
Some behaviors are self-stimulatory and provide internal reinforcement. Bouncing a knee, hand-flapping, nail-biting, nose picking, and chewing are all examples of these behaviors, which are often referred to as “stimming.”
If you’re trying to reduce these behaviors, it’s often helpful to promote engagement in more socially appropriate activities that address the underlying sensory needs.
How do you identify the function of a behavior?
To understand why a behavior is happening, experts use a method called Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Why is Functional Behavior Assessment important?
FBA is important because it helps you understand what purpose a behavior serves. Understanding the function of the behavior, not just what the behavior looks like, is critical for developing effective interventions.
During an FBA, trained professionals systematically try to figure out why a challenging behavior is occurring. This usually involves observing a person directly, conducting interviews, and doing a functional analysis.
What are the methods of Functional Behavior Assessment?
During an FBA, professionals gather information using several methods.
- Direct observation: Professionals observe a person and take detailed notes about their behavior in different situations to identify patterns and triggers. They pay close attention to what happens before the behavior (antecedents) and what happens after the behavior (consequences).
- Interviews: Professionals interview the person (if possible), as well as their parents, teachers, and other caregivers, to gather information about the history of the behavior, what seems to trigger it, and what typically happens after it occurs.
- Functional analysis: Professionals manipulate antecedents and consequences to test hypotheses about the function of the behavior. For example, they might present a difficult task to see if the behavior occurs as a way to escape the task. This is generally considered the most precise way to determine the function of a behavior.
Function-Based Interventions: Getting to the Root of the Behavior
When you’re trying to change a behavior, it’s important to address its root cause rather than just trying to suppress the symptoms. Once you know the function of a behavior, you can develop a targeted plan to change it.
Effective interventions are tailored to the specific function of the behavior. Positive behavior support, skill-building, collaboration, and continuous monitoring are all important components of a successful intervention.
Examples of Function-Based Interventions
- Escape/Avoidance: Gradually increase the person’s tolerance for the thing they’re trying to avoid. Provide support to develop coping strategies. Teach them alternative ways to communicate discomfort or stress.
- Attention-Seeking: If a behavior is attention-seeking, address it strategically. Ignore inappropriate behaviors while providing attention for appropriate actions. Teach alternative, socially acceptable ways to seek attention.
- Access to Tangible Items: If the person is trying to gain access to a tangible item, use that desire to shape behavior positively. Set clear expectations and use desired items as rewards. Teach individuals to communicate their desires effectively.
- Automatic/Sensory: If the person is seeking automatic or sensory stimulation, try to understand what need is being met. Teach alternative ways to satisfy sensory needs. Promote engagement in more socially appropriate activities.
Teaching Replacement Behaviors
The best way to change a behavior is to teach an appropriate alternative behavior that serves the same function as the challenging behavior.
For example, you can teach alternative coping mechanisms to address different behavior functions.
Functional Communication Training is one way to teach appropriate alternatives. For example, you might teach a child to ask for a break instead of running away from a task.
The importance of collaboration and a holistic approach
When it comes to effectively managing behavior, teamwork between parents, teachers, and other professionals is key. ABA therapists are especially important. They collect data, work with families, and tweak the intervention plan as needed.
It’s also crucial to take a holistic approach. This means looking at the whole person — their environment, their history, and their specific needs. For example, incorporating sensory routines can be very helpful.
Working closely with families and caregivers is also essential. After all, they know the individual best and can provide valuable insights. To make sure things are on track, it’s important to keep a close eye on progress and collect data. This allows for adjustments to the intervention plan as needed, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 basic functions of behavior?
The four basic functions of behavior, often remembered with the acronym SEAT, are Sensory Stimulation, Escape, Attention, and Tangibles (or Access to Activities). All behaviors serve one or more of these functions.
What are the 4 types of behaviors?
While the core functions remain the same, behavior types can be categorized more broadly. This might include adaptive behaviors (helpful for functioning), maladaptive behaviors (hindering functioning), approach behaviors (seeking something), and avoidance behaviors (trying to escape something).
What are the 4 domains of behavior?
The domains of behavior typically refer to areas of functioning that behavior impacts. These domains are often considered to be Cognitive (thinking), Emotional (feelings), Social (interactions), and Physical (actions/motor skills). Behavior can affect each of these areas.
What are the 4 explanations of behavior?
Explanations for behavior often draw from different psychological perspectives. Four broad explanations might include Biological (genetics, neurology), Cognitive (thoughts, beliefs), Behavioral (learning, conditioning), and Sociocultural (social context, cultural norms). Understanding behavior often requires considering multiple explanations.
Key Takeaways
If you really want to understand behavior and help people change, you have to understand the four functions of behavior. ABA therapy is still a great way to help people with behavior challenges.
When you figure out why someone is doing something, you can address the root cause of their behavior and encourage positive changes.