Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Attention-seeking behavior refers to actions or behaviors that individuals engage in to gain attention from others. These behaviors may be disruptive or inappropriate as individuals seek external validation or recognition.
Reinforcement refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. In the case of attention-seeking behavior, receiving attention from others acts as reinforcement.
Positive punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus after an unwanted behavior occurs in order to decrease the likelihood of that behavior happening again. This can be applied when attention-seeking behaviors are disruptive.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): FBA is a process used to understand the purpose or function of a behavior by analyzing the antecedents (triggers) and consequences that maintain the behavior. It helps identify effective interventions for addressing attention-seeking behaviors.