What best describes an extinction burst in behavior management?

An extinction burst refers to the phenomenon where, after a behavior that has been reinforced is no longer followed by the reinforcing consequence, there is often a temporary increase in the frequency or intensity of that behavior before it begins to decrease. This pattern occurs because the individual may initially escalate the behavior in an attempt to regain the reinforcement that they previously experienced. This immediate spike serves as a pivotal moment in behavior management because it highlights the importance of remaining consistent with the implementation of extinction procedures, as this burst can be misinterpreted as a sign that the strategy is ineffective.

In understanding this concept, it’s critical to recognize that the behavior does not simply decrease right away; it often spikes before the individual begins to adapt to the new conditions where that behavior no longer gets reinforced. This aspect of behavior management emphasizes the importance of persistence and consistency in the face of such challenges.