Parenting Skills: Functions of Behavior

When a child or adolescent acts in a certain way that defies rules or expectations that a parent or teacher sets, it can be sometimes hard to understand why they engaged in such a behavior. This can be frustrating because if we do not know why the child behaved in a certain way, that makes it difficult to change the behavior. So why do they typically do what they do?

Sensory Stimulation: To put it simply, it feels good to engage in the behavior. An example of this is hair twirling or rocking back and forth because it just feels comforting.

Attention: They get attention from someone, whether that be from the caregiver, siblings, peers, teachers, etc. For example, if a child throws something or starts screaming and then the parent pays attention to them, they learn that these behaviors will get them attention from the parent. It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes even “bad” attention (e.g., getting yelled at) can be the source of the behavior, especially if the child does not regularly get the level of attention they want and/or need.

Escape: They are trying to escape a task that is too boring, hard, or over-stimulating. Essentially, they are escaping an undesirable situation or task. For example, a child starts throwing a tantrum because it means they will get out of having to do their homework, especially if the task ceases so that the parent can manage the tantrum.

Tangible Object: They are trying to gain a specific item. A classic example is when a child throws a temper tantrum in the store to get a piece of candy, and then if the parent provides that piece of candy, the child learns that throwing a tantrum will get them the item they want.

Why is it important to understand the purpose (meaning the function) of a child or adolescent’s behavior? If you know the function, then you can work on getting their needs met appropriately or shape their behavior through reinforcement strategies. It also helps us to empathize with a child rather than pathologize their behavior as them “being a bad kid,” “being lazy” or any other negative beliefs we may have about them when we do not understand what purpose their behavior is serving.  

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash

Written by Justina Yohannan, PhD