Extinction

What is Extinction?

Extinction is a treatment strategy to reduce maladaptive behaviors. It occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer receiving reinforcement causing the behavior to no longer occur. However, the behavior will typically increase at first, known as an extinction burst, and then decrease as the reinforcement continues to be removed. Extinction is only defined when the behavior is 100% eliminated.

What is an example of Extinction?

A child says an inappropriate word and receives attention from an adult such as a gasp or being told “no” (reinforcement). The child says it again, seeking further reinforcement but this time the adult does not respond. The child may say the inappropriate word a few more times (extinction burst) but eventually will no longer say the inappropriate word, as he is no longer receives reinforcement for doing so.