ABA glossary
Escape
Also called escape contingency
Definition
A negative reinforcement contingency in which a behavior ends or reduces an aversive stimulus that is already present, so the behavior becomes more likely the next time that stimulus occurs.
In plain words
Escape is one of the most common functions of problem behavior. The aversive situation is already happening (a demand has been placed, a room is noisy, a task is boring), and a behavior that makes it stop is reinforced. Because escape is negative reinforcement, the behavior increases. In clinical shorthand, "escape-maintained behavior" means behavior that persists because it gets the person out of tasks, demands, or settings.
Example from a session
During a home session, Lucas's mom starts his tooth-brushing routine while the RBT collects ABC data. Lucas, 5, screams within seconds, and his mom finishes quickly, as she has done before. The demand was already present, and screaming shortened it. The RBT records the episode on the ABC sheet: A, "toothbrush presented"; B, "screamed for 20 seconds"; C, "mom stopped brushing early." The pattern across several entries suggests escape, which the BCBA can then test.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Escape is tested with the demand condition of a functional analysis, in which demands are removed briefly after the target behavior. Escape-maintained behavior is often treated with escape extinction (the demand continues), FCT for a break request, demand fading, high-probability request sequences, and task changes that lower aversiveness, such as choices or embedded reinforcers. Escape extinction can produce bursts and aggression, so safety planning and reinforcement for cooperation are part of the plan. Escape and avoidance can also appear as side effects of punishment, when a person learns to get away from the punisher or the person delivering it.
Often confused with avoidance
In escape, the aversive stimulus is already present and the behavior ends it. In avoidance, the aversive stimulus has not happened yet, and the behavior prevents or postpones it. A child who runs out during math has escaped; a child who reports a stomachache before math starts and is excused has avoided it. Both are negative reinforcement.
Exam tip
Ask whether the unpleasant event was already happening when the behavior occurred. Already present and ended means escape. Not yet present and prevented or postponed means avoidance.
Can you spot escape in a scenario?
Practice BCBA B.4 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.