Reasons For Behaviour

In Terms Of Child Behaviour & Behaviour Challenges, Behaviour Therapists Underline That It Is Important For Parents To Think About What The Reason Behind The Behaviour Is.

Behaviour Analysts Highlight That There Are Four Functions Of Behaviour Or In Other Words Four Possible Reasons As To Why Anyone Presents With Any Behaviour.

Studies From The Field Of Behaviour Analysis Have Found That The Four Reasons Are:

1) Attention
2) Access To Items
3) Escape/Avoidance
4) Sensory

The Reason Can Be One Of The Above Or Some Of The Above.

Attention:
For Example, A Child Presenting With Certain Behaviour To Get Mum/Dad’s Attention Away From Their Sibling & On To Them Due To Sibling Rivalry. The Reason Behind The Behaviour Is Attention-Seeking/Connection-Seeking By The Child Towards Mum/Dad.

Access To Items:
For Example, A Child Having Difficulty Managing Anger Which Can Be Seen Through Them Presenting With Tantrum Behaviour In An Attempt To Get Their Own Way Or What They Want After They Have Been Told No.

3) Escape/Avoidance:
For Example, A Child Pretending To Be Sick So They Get Home From School Or A Child Using Delay Tactics In Order To Avoid Going To Bed.

4) Sensory:
In This Case The Child Presents With The Behaviour In Order To Get Some Sort Of Self – Stimulation Through Sensory Input, For Example Biting Their Nails When Anxious, Or Swinging On Their Chair When Bored, Etc., Or It Could Be A Case Where They Are Getting Agitated Or Have A Meltdown Due To Sensory Overload.

So In Terms Of Parenting, Child Therapists Recommend That The Next Time Your Child Does Something Think About Which Of The Four Reasons Might Be Behind It Or Decide If It’s A Combination Of A Few Of The Four Reasons.

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