Functions of Behavior
Functions of behavior refers to the various reasons why we behave the way that we do. Another way of thinking about functions is to think about the reasons for behavior.
In Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), there are 4 main functions (or reasons) for behavior:
Escape
Attention
Tangibles/Access
Sensory/Automatic
Commonly remembered by the acronym E.A.T.S. (as in, everyone E.A.T.S. 😉) these four functions capture the motivation to behave.
However…
There is current debate on whether or not control should be considered the 5th function of behavior. There are many instances where an individual wants to demonstrate control over their circumstances (wanting a specific job, organizing their closet a specific way, etc.) and this drives many people to behave in all sorts of ways to get what they want.
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Many clinicians and students understand this point of view, but some offer the counter-argument that control over one’s situation can fall under the category of access (also known as tangibles).
Read on to learn more about each function of behavior.
