Principlev1
When initiating extinction, prepare for and endure the
When initiating extinction, prepare for and endure the temporary behavioral intensification (extinction burst) without reinstating reinforcement, as the burst is evidence the process is working.
Why This Is a Principle
Derives from Behaviors that produce satisfying consequences tend to be (behavior reinforcement), When reinforcement is first withdrawn, behavior temporarily (behavior temporarily increases when reinforcement is first withdrawn), and When a consistently reinforced behavior stops being (extinction burst pattern). This principle prescribes specific action during a critical phase of extinction—endure the burst without giving in—and explains why doing so is correct.
Source Lessons
Connections
Derived From (6)
AxiomHuman memory under stress and cognitive load is unreliableAxiomBehavior requires an initiating signal to occur at aAxiomImplementation intentions (if-then plans) significantlyAxiomWhen a consistently reinforced behavior stops beingAxiomBehaviors that produce satisfying consequences tend to beAxiomWhen reinforcement is first withdrawn, behavior temporarily