Spontaneous Recovery
Definition
The reappearance of a behavior that had been reduced to low levels by extinction, after a period of time in which it did not occur, without any renewed reinforcement. It is usually brief and weaker than the original level, and it disappears again if extinction is maintained.
In plain language
A behavior that had stopped shows up again for a while, even though nothing rewarded it. If the plan stays in place, it fades again.
Example
Two weeks after tantrums stopped, one tantrum happens on a Monday morning and then none the rest of the week.
Not spontaneous recovery
Tantrums getting louder in the first days after attention was withheld. That is the extinction burst.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- lerman-iwata-1996
Written from Lerman and Iwata (1996). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.