What are the Four Functions of Behavior?

The predominant four functions of behavior are attention, escape, access, and sensory needs. These four functions allow us to understand and categorize someone’s actions, as well as determine why behaviors occur. 

• Attention
• Escape
• Tangible
• Sensory

Attention

The behavior occurs to gain attention from others (parents, teachers, peers). Attention-seeking behavior occurs when someone desires feedback or a response from another person. Crying and throwing tantrums are great examples of childhood attention-seeking habits.

Examples of Attention:

• Praise, such as cheering and words of affirmation
• Scolding, saying no, or moving a child’s hand away
• Redirecting your attention to your child
• Showing disappointment or frustration with facial expressions and body language

Escape

Escape behaviors typically occur when a learner wants to avoid or “escape” doing something. This is common in ABA therapy session instructional periods.

Example, if a child does not want to complete a puzzle or read a book, she or he may run away from the therapist to avoid the instructional activity. Token systems can be effective in treating escape behaviors since this structure allows for designated time for both play and instruction.

Tangible

Access to tangibles is somewhat self-explanatory, but it is also very important. Children may engage in certain behaviors because they are looking to gain access to something.

For example, wanting a cookie. That cookie is a strong reinforcement for the child, so he or she will engage in interfering behaviors to get the cookie. While it is acceptable to reinforce your child’s positive behaviors with tangibles, remember that this is a function of behavior. Keep in mind that access-related behaviors occur surrounding items the child can’t access independently.

Sensory

Sensory stimulation (also known as sensory needs) is the final function of behavior. Sensory stimulation occurs when children want to experience a pleasant sensation or replace discomfort. Children may also seek stimulation to sensitize or desensitize, depending on their sensory needs.

Sensory stimulation can manifest itself in several ways, such as:

• Skipping
• Hand-flapping
• Tapping feet
• Rocking back and forth

How to Determine the Function

ABA professionals use Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to identify the function by analyzing:

• Antecedents (what happens before the behavior)
• Behavior (what the individual does)
• Consequences (what happens after the behavior)

Why It Matters

Understanding the function helps in designing effective, individualized interventions rather than just suppressing behavior.

 For example:

• If a child hits others for attention, ignoring the behavior (extinction) and reinforcing positive social interactions would be more effective than punishment.
• If a child elopes to escape a difficult task, teaching coping skills or modifying the task may work better than reprimands.

What Are the Core Functions of Behavior?

The core functions of behavior are an escape, access to attention, access to tangibles, and sensory stimulation. While many factors motivate behaviors to occur, two of the primary functions out of the four are access and escape. They both make behavior more in line to occur in a future period.