Behavioral Contrast

Behavioral Contrast means a behavior changes in one situation because of reinforcement or punishment applied in another situation.

Application in ABA and RBT Practice
Contrast shows how behavior in one setting or with one person may increase or decrease when reinforcement contingencies change elsewhere.

Examples
• A child’s problem behavior decreases in the classroom when reinforced for work but increases at recess where reinforcement is absent.
• Compliance improves at school when reinforced but drops at home where no reinforcement is arranged.

Why It Matters
It highlights the need to generalize treatment across settings and to align caregiver and teacher practices.

Common Mistakes
Assuming a treatment failed because the behavior returned elsewhere, rather than recognizing contrast effects.