What might behaviors aimed at gaining attention be classified as?

Behaviors aimed at gaining attention fall under the category of social reinforcement. Social reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by a social response, such as praise, laughter, or interaction from others, which serves to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. When an individual engages in attention-seeking behaviors, they are typically seeking social interaction or acknowledgment, which reinforces their actions.

In contrast, automatic reinforcement refers to behaviors that are reinforced by internal sensations or outcomes rather than through social contact. Escape behaviors involve actions taken to avoid an undesired situation or task, while tangible access behaviors are aimed at obtaining specific items or activities. Therefore, attention-seeking behaviors are directly linked to social reinforcement due to the nature of their purpose, which is to elicit a social response.