Extinction in Behavior Analysis: An Essential Strategy for Behavior Modification
Extinction in behavior analysis reduces unwanted behaviors by removing reinforcement. Learn how ABA professionals use extinction to manage behavior effectively.

Extinction is a crucial technique in Behavior Analysis used to reduce unwanted behaviors by removing the reinforcement that sustains them. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals frequently utilize extinction to manage maladaptive behaviors in individuals across various settings, including home, school, and therapy environments. In this post, we’ll explore what extinction entails, how it works, real-world examples, and the challenges of implementing it effectively.
What is Extinction in Behavior Analysis?
In Behavior Analysis, extinction refers to the process of discontinuing reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, leading to a reduction in the behavior over time. When the behavior no longer results in the desired outcome, the individual stops engaging in it because it no longer serves its purpose.
For example, if a child throws toys to get attention, and the caregiver stops giving attention when this behavior occurs, the child will eventually stop throwing toys as they learn it no longer brings the desired result.
How Does Extinction Work?
The process of extinction involves several key steps:
- Identify the Reinforcer: The first step is to determine what is reinforcing the unwanted behavior. It could be attention, escape from a task, access to a preferred item, or sensory stimulation.
- Discontinue the Reinforcement: Once the reinforcer is identified, it is withheld whenever the behavior occurs. This removal of reinforcement is the core of the extinction process.
- Expect an Extinction Burst: Initially, the behavior may increase in intensity or frequency—known as an extinction burst—before it starts to decline. This is a natural part of the extinction process and a sign that the behavior is being disrupted.
- Consistent Application: For extinction to be effective, it must be applied consistently by all individuals involved, in every environment where the behavior occurs.
- Monitor for Spontaneous Recovery: Even after a behavior has been extinguished, it may reappear temporarily. This phenomenon is called spontaneous recovery and is common in behavior analysis.
Examples of Extinction in Behavior Analysis
Below are practical examples of how extinction is applied to manage different types of behaviors:
- Attention-Seeking Behavior:
A child frequently interrupts adult conversations by shouting, knowing that this behavior results in immediate attention. In an extinction-based intervention, caregivers stop responding to the child’s interruptions, withholding attention. Over time, the child learns that shouting no longer provides attention and reduces the behavior. - Escape-Avoidance Behavior:
A student throws tantrums to avoid difficult tasks, such as homework. Using extinction, the teacher ensures that the student must still complete the task despite the tantrum. With consistent application, the tantrums decrease as the student realizes they are ineffective in avoiding work. - Access to Tangibles:
A child cries to get access to a toy. If caregivers no longer provide the toy in response to crying, the behavior diminishes as the child learns that crying no longer grants access to desired items. - Self-Stimulatory Behavior:
In cases where a behavior is maintained by sensory reinforcement (e.g., hand-flapping), extinction might involve teaching alternative behaviors that provide similar sensory input, alongside blocking the maladaptive behavior.
Challenges in Implementing Extinction
While extinction is an effective behavior management tool, there are several challenges that practitioners and caregivers should anticipate:
- Extinction Burst: When reinforcement is removed, the behavior may escalate temporarily before decreasing. This can be frustrating, but it indicates that the extinction process is working.
- Consistency: All caregivers, teachers, and therapists must apply the extinction procedure consistently. If reinforcement is provided even occasionally, the behavior may persist.
- Spontaneous Recovery: Even after the behavior seems to be extinguished, it might reappear unexpectedly. Continuous monitoring is essential to manage this occurrence.
- Emotional Reactions: Some individuals may display frustration, aggression, or other emotional responses during extinction. It’s important to have a plan in place to address these behaviors safely.
Extinction vs. Punishment
It’s important to differentiate extinction from punishment. Extinction involves withholding reinforcement, whereas punishment involves applying an aversive consequence to reduce a behavior. In many cases, extinction is preferred because it focuses on changing behavior by altering reinforcement patterns, rather than using negative consequences.
The Role of Reinforcement in Extinction Procedures
While extinction aims to reduce maladaptive behaviors, it works best when paired with positive reinforcement to encourage alternative, desirable behaviors. For example, if a child screams for attention, caregivers might ignore the screaming (extinction) while reinforcing polite requests for attention. This combination helps the child learn more appropriate ways to communicate their needs.
When to Use Extinction in Behavior Analysis
Extinction is most effective when:
- The reinforcer maintaining the behavior can be identified and controlled.
- All individuals interacting with the person apply the procedure consistently.
- Alternative behaviors are taught and reinforced to replace the extinguished behavior.
- There is a plan to manage potential extinction bursts and emotional reactions.
It is also important to note that extinction may not be suitable for all behaviors. In cases where the behavior poses a danger to the individual or others, other intervention strategies may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
In Behavior Analysis, extinction is a powerful tool for reducing unwanted behaviors by discontinuing reinforcement. While it requires careful planning, consistency, and patience, extinction can produce lasting behavior change. Combining extinction with positive reinforcement ensures that individuals learn appropriate replacement behaviors, making the intervention more effective.
Therapists, teachers, and caregivers must understand the nuances of extinction, including how to manage extinction bursts, spontaneous recovery, and emotional reactions. When implemented correctly, extinction serves as a critical component of successful behavior modification strategies in ABA.