What is the goal of using planned ignoring as a behavioral strategy?

Planned ignoring is a behavioral strategy designed specifically to diminish undesirable behavior by intentionally withholding attention or reinforcement for those specific behaviors. When an individual engages in behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, ignoring it can reduce the frequency of that behavior over time because it does not receive the expected response it would typically elicit. This approach relies on the principle that many disruptive behaviors are maintained by attention, so by not providing that attention, the behavior is less likely to recur.

In this context, ignoring the behavior allows individuals to recognize that the undesirable actions will not lead to the reactions or outcomes they might seek, such as attention or engagement from others. It's crucial, however, to ensure that this strategy does not lead to neglect or harm, and it is often used in conjunction with reinforcing appropriate behavior, making it an effective tool in behavior change strategies.