What Are The 2 Main Functions Of Behavior

What Are the 2 Main Functions of Behavior?

Understanding the functions of behavior is crucial for anyone working with individuals, whether it's in a clinical, educational, or even a personal setting. While numerous nuances and sub-categories exist, behavior, at its core, serves two primary functions: to obtain something desirable and to avoid something undesirable. This seemingly simple dichotomy provides a powerful framework for analyzing, interpreting, and ultimately changing behavior. Let's delve deeper into each function, exploring their manifestations, practical applications, and the implications for effective intervention strategies.

Function 1: Obtaining Something Desirable (Positive Reinforcement)

This function of behavior focuses on the acquisition of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is anything that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring because it leads to a pleasant consequence. This consequence can be tangible, intangible, internal, or external. The core principle is that the individual performs the behavior because it results in something they want.

Examples of Obtaining Something Desirable:

• A child throwing a tantrum to get a candy bar: The child learns that throwing a tantrum (the behavior) results in receiving a candy bar (the positive reinforcement), making them more likely to repeat the tantrum in similar situations.
• A student studying diligently to achieve good grades: The desire for academic success (positive reinforcement) motivates the student to study (the behavior).
• An employee working hard to receive a promotion: The promotion (positive reinforcement) incentivizes increased effort (the behavior).
• An athlete training rigorously to win a competition: The desired victory (positive reinforcement) fuels the commitment to rigorous training (the behavior).
• A person engaging in social media to gain likes and comments: The positive feedback (positive reinforcement) encourages further engagement (the behavior).

Identifying Positive Reinforcement in Action:

To effectively address behaviors driven by the pursuit of positive reinforcement, it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly what is being obtained. This requires careful observation and analysis. Consider:

• Antecedents: What events or situations precede the behavior?
• Behavior: What is the specific behavior being exhibited?
• Consequences: What happens immediately after the behavior? What is the individual gaining?

By thoroughly examining these three components, a clearer picture emerges of the reinforcing consequences sustaining the behavior. This understanding is pivotal for developing effective interventions.

Strategies for Modifying Behaviors Driven by Positive Reinforcement:

Several strategies can be employed to modify behaviors aimed at obtaining something desirable, focusing on either altering the reinforcing consequence or providing alternative, more adaptive behaviors:

• Extinction: Withholding the positive reinforcement. For instance, ignoring a child's tantrum to prevent the reinforcement of receiving the candy bar. This can be challenging, as initial increases in behavior may occur before a decrease.
• Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing a more appropriate behavior that serves the same function. For example, praising a child for asking politely instead of throwing a tantrum to obtain a candy bar.
• Functional Communication Training (FCT): Teaching an individual an alternative, more acceptable way to communicate their needs. This is particularly effective for individuals with communication deficits.
• Contingency Management: Implementing a system where the positive reinforcement is delivered only if the desired behavior is displayed. This can involve reward charts or token economies.

Function 2: Avoiding Something Undesirable (Negative Reinforcement)

This function centers around the removal or avoidance of something aversive. Negative reinforcement, in contrast to punishment, increases the likelihood of a behavior repeating because it leads to the removal of an unpleasant experience. The individual performs the behavior to escape or avoid an unpleasant situation.

Examples of Avoiding Something Undesirable:

• A person taking an aspirin to relieve a headache: The behavior (taking aspirin) is reinforced by the removal of the headache pain (negative reinforcement).
• A student feigning illness to avoid a difficult exam: The avoidance of the exam (negative reinforcement) strengthens the behavior of feigning illness.
• An individual leaving a party early to escape a stressful social situation: Leaving the party (the behavior) removes the unpleasant social interaction (negative reinforcement).
• A person rushing to complete a task to avoid a deadline: Completing the task (the behavior) prevents the negative consequence of missing the deadline (negative reinforcement).
• A dog hiding under the bed during a thunderstorm: Hiding (the behavior) removes the aversive stimulus of the thunder and lightning (negative reinforcement).

Identifying Negative Reinforcement in Action:

Identifying behaviors driven by negative reinforcement requires careful observation of the removal or avoidance of a negative consequence. Similar to positive reinforcement, analyze:

• Antecedents: What events or situations precede the behavior? What is the unpleasant stimulus?
• Behavior: What is the specific behavior displayed to avoid the unpleasant stimulus?
• Consequences: What is removed or avoided as a result of the behavior?

Understanding the aversive stimulus is key to effective intervention.

Strategies for Modifying Behaviors Driven by Negative Reinforcement:

Strategies for modifying behaviors driven by negative reinforcement often involve reducing the individual's reliance on escape or avoidance behaviors and building tolerance for the aversive stimulus:

• Systematic Desensitization: Gradually exposing the individual to the feared stimulus in a controlled manner, starting with less intense levels and progressing to more intense ones.
• Exposure Therapy: Exposing the individual to the feared stimulus without allowing them to escape, which helps reduce anxiety associated with the stimulus.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focusing on accepting difficult emotions and thoughts rather than avoiding them.
• Relaxation Techniques: Teaching relaxation skills to manage anxiety and cope with aversive stimuli.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the avoidance of the aversive stimulus.

The Interplay Between the Two Functions

It's crucial to recognize that these two functions are not mutually exclusive. Often, a single behavior can serve both functions simultaneously. For instance, a child might throw a tantrum (behavior) to obtain a toy (positive reinforcement) and simultaneously avoid having to do chores (negative reinforcement). This dual functionality complicates intervention, necessitating a thorough functional behavioral assessment to determine the primary function(s) driving the behavior.

Understanding the Importance of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is a systematic process used to understand the purpose of a behavior. Through observation, interviews, and data collection, FBAs help determine the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences involved. This information is crucial for designing effective interventions that target the underlying function(s) of the behavior.

A comprehensive FBA will consider:

• The setting events: Broader contextual factors influencing behavior.
• The antecedents: What triggers the behavior?
• The behavior itself: A precise description of the behavior.
• The consequences: What happens immediately after the behavior? Does it lead to something positive or the removal of something negative?

Conclusion: A Practical Framework for Understanding and Changing Behavior

The two main functions of behavior—obtaining something desirable and avoiding something undesirable—provide a fundamental framework for understanding human (and animal) actions. By carefully analyzing the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences involved, we can gain valuable insights into why specific behaviors are exhibited. This understanding forms the cornerstone of effective interventions aimed at modifying problematic behaviors and fostering positive behavioral change. The key to success lies in identifying the underlying function(s) of the behavior through a thorough FBA and then tailoring interventions to address those functions effectively. Remember that while the principles are simple, the implementation often requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of individual needs and contexts. Professional guidance from behavioral specialists is highly recommended, especially in complex cases.