The video explores the four functions of behaviour and emphasises their importance in understanding why behaviour occur. These functions of behaviour and emphasise their importance in understanding why behaviour occur. These functions help practitioners develop effectively interventions to modify behaviours. The main functions discussed are: Automatic (sensory), escape (avoidance), tangible and attention.
- Automatic/ sensory: Behaviour that provides internal reinforcement. It happens when someone does not need another person to mediate the reinforcer. This can include behaviours like nail- biting or other self- stimulatory behaviours.
- Escape/ Avoidance: behaviour aimed at avoiding or escaping an unpleasant situation or demand. escape involves getting away from a stimulus that is already present, while avoidance presents the presentation of an aversive event.
- Tangible: behaviour that results in gaining access to a physical item or activity, like a toy or food. for example, a child may throw a tantrum to get an iPad.
- Attention: Behaviour that seeks attention from others, this can include both positive attention (praise, smile) and negative attention (reprimands, threats).
Understanding these functions is essential for assessing why a behaviour occurs and developing effective interventions to reduce unwanted behaviours with more appropriate ones.
