extinction burst
A temporary increase in the frequency, intensity, or duration of a behavior when reinforcement is first withdrawn.
Full Definition
An extinction burst is a predictable phenomenon that occurs during the initial stages of an extinction procedure, where a previously reinforced behavior temporarily escalates before decreasing. This increase can manifest as higher frequency, greater intensity, longer duration, or novel variations of the target behavior. Understanding extinction bursts is crucial for clinical planning because they can be mistaken for treatment failure or may pose safety concerns. Proper preparation for extinction bursts includes staff training, safety planning, and family education to ensure consistent implementation of the extinction procedure.
Usage
Usage note: Often misunderstood as treatment failure; editors should ensure clear explanation that this is an expected, temporary phenomenon.
In Context
- "The team was prepared for an extinction burst when implementing the new protocol for attention-seeking behaviors." — Staff training document
- "An extinction burst occurred on day three, with tantrum duration increasing from five to fifteen minutes." — Data collection sheet