What is the term for a behavior function that results in the termination or removal of an aversive stimulus?

The term for a behavior function that results in the termination or removal of an aversive stimulus is "escape." This concept refers to a scenario in which an individual engages in a specific behavior to get away from an unpleasant, harmful, or uncomfortable situation. For example, a student may raise their hand to ask for help with a challenging assignment, effectively escaping the frustration they experience from not understanding the material. By engaging in escape behavior, the individual can eliminate or reduce the negative state they were in by creating a more favorable environment.

In contrast, other terms like avoidance and access refer to different behavioral outcomes. Avoidance involves engaging in a behavior to prevent an aversive stimulus from occurring in the first place. Access usually pertains to seeking something desirable rather than removing something aversive, and compliance is related to adhering to requests or directives, rather than actively terminating an unpleasant experience. Understanding these distinctions can help in effectively analyzing and addressing various behavior functions in applied settings.