Understanding Extinction Burst

Extinction burst is a fascinating concept in psychology that can help us understand why certain behaviors seem to get worse before they get better. Let’s dive into what it is and how it affects our lives.

What is Extinction Burst?

When we talk about extinction burst, we’re referring to a sudden increase in the frequency or intensity of a behavior when that behavior is no longer being reinforced. In simpler terms, if a behavior that used to get a reward suddenly stops getting one, you might see a burst of that behavior before it eventually decreases.

Why Does It Happen?

This phenomenon occurs because the individual is trying to regain that reward or reinforcement. It’s like when a child throws a tantrum because they want a toy. If they usually get the toy but suddenly do not, they might throw a bigger tantrum in hopes of getting it back.

Real-Life Examples

1. Children and Tantrums: Imagine a child who usually receives candy every time they go to the store. One day, the parent decides to stop giving candy. Initially, the child may throw a fit, cry, or even scream louder than before. This is the extinction burst in action.

2. Pets: Consider a dog that gets treats for sitting on command. If the owner stops giving treats, the dog might sit more insistently or even try different tricks to get a treat again.

3. Addictions: When someone trying to quit smoking suddenly craves a cigarette more intensely after cutting back, that craving can be seen as an extinction burst. Their previous behavior of smoking was usually reinforced by the nicotine high.

Steps to Manage Extinction Burst

If you find yourself in a situation where you or someone else is experiencing an extinction burst, here are some practical steps to manage it:

• Stay Calm: It’s important to remain calm during the burst. Recognize that this behavior is temporary.
• Do Not Reinforce: Avoid giving in to the behavior, as this can lead to more bursts in the future.
• Redirect Attention: Try to redirect the focus to a different activity or behavior that is positive and acceptable.
• Consistency is Key: Be consistent in not providing reinforcement. Over time, the behavior should decrease.

Types of Extinction Bursts

While there aren’t strict categories of extinction bursts, they can vary in intensity and duration:

• Short and Intense: These bursts last for a brief period but are very intense. For instance, a child may scream for a few minutes before calming down.
• Long and Gradual: Some extinction bursts may last longer, where a behavior gradually decreases over several days or weeks, such as the persistent craving for a substance.

Conclusion

Understanding extinction bursts can help us navigate challenging behaviors in ourselves and others. By recognizing that these bursts are a natural part of the process of behavior change, we can better manage our responses and support positive change.