Escape behaviors serve to _______ a person from a situation while avoidance behaviors serve to _______ a person from a situation.

Escape behaviors are actions taken by an individual to remove themselves from an already present aversive situation. For example, if a child feels overwhelmed in a noisy classroom, they may leave the room to find a quieter space. Thus, these behaviors serve the function of removing the person from that distressing situation.

On the other hand, avoidance behaviors are proactive measures taken to prevent an undesirable or aversive situation from occurring in the first place. For instance, if a student anticipates a loud assembly that they find distressing, they may choose to avoid attending the assembly altogether. This proactive stance helps to keep the individual from encountering the situation that they perceive as distressing or harmful.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in behavioral analysis, as it informs strategies for addressing both escape and avoidance behaviors in therapeutic settings. In essence, escape behaviors help a person to remove themselves from an uncomfortable situation, while avoidance behaviors help to keep them away from potential discomfort.