Understanding the Function of Behavior

Bahij Khouzami

BCBA · Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Behavior Is Communication

When a child throws a tantrum, hits a sibling, or refuses to do homework, it's easy to label the behavior as "bad" or "defiant." But behavior analysts look at it differently: every behavior serves a function. It works. It gets the child something, or helps them avoid something.

Understanding the function of behavior is the foundation of effective, compassionate behavior change.

The Four Functions of Behavior

Research in behavior analysis has identified four core reasons why behaviors occur:

1. Access to Attention

The behavior results in social attention — from parents, teachers, peers, or caregivers. Even negative attention (scolding, reprimanding) counts. Children who engage in behaviors to get attention are communicating: "Notice me."

Example: A child interrupts during a phone call because it reliably results in the parent stopping and responding.

2. Access to Tangibles or Activities

The behavior results in getting a preferred item or activity. This can include food, toys, screen time, or the opportunity to do something enjoyable.

Example: A child cries at the grocery store because it has previously resulted in receiving a treat.

3. Escape or Avoidance

The behavior allows the child to get away from something aversive — a task, a demand, a person, or a sensation.

Example: A child complains of a stomachache every morning before school to avoid an anxiety-provoking situation.

4. Automatic Reinforcement (Sensory)

The behavior produces its own internal reward — it feels good, self-soothes, or provides stimulation. This function is not maintained by the social environment.

Example: A child rocks back and forth because the sensory input is inherently calming or enjoyable.

Why Does This Matter?

If you don't know the function of a behavior, you're guessing at solutions. A behavior maintained by escape will get worse if you remove attention (because attention wasn't the point). A behavior maintained by sensory input won't improve just by ignoring it.

Matching your intervention to the function is what makes the difference.

How to Identify the Function

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is the formal process behavior analysts use. But parents can start with observation:

• What happens just before the behavior? (Antecedent)
• What does the child get or avoid as a result? (Consequence)
• When and where does it happen most and least?

Keeping a simple ABC log (Antecedent → Behavior → Consequence) for a few days can reveal patterns.

What Comes Next

Once the function is identified, the goal is to:

1. Teach a replacement behavior that serves the same function in an appropriate way.
2. Modify the environment to make the challenging behavior less likely.
3. Ensure the appropriate behavior "works" — that it gets the child what they need.

This approach is compassionate, effective, and lasting. It doesn't require punishment. It requires understanding.