Kind Extinction: A Procedural Variation on Traditional Extinction

Abstract

Operant extinction has substantial evidence to support its effectiveness across a variety of populations and behaviors. However, extinction procedures may be less-preferred by learners, caregivers, other community stakeholders, and the staff implementing them. In the current study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a “kind extinction” procedural modification, in which we provided a functionally arbitrary reinforcer in the form of genuine positive regard and validation, contingent on interfering behavior, while implementing escape and tangible extinction. The procedure produced large and rapid decreases in interfering behavior, accompanying increases in alternative behavior, and was rated as acceptable by caregivers and staff. Implications for increasing the social validity of behavioral procedures, as well as contributing to a more kind and compassionate future for the field of applied behavior analysis are discussed.