Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Extinction cues and extinction in multiple contexts reduce the renewal of instrumental behavior in primary school
Rosalia Baiamonte1, Juan Bravo1, Lucía Castilla1
1Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Spain.
Abstract:
The reemergence of previously extinguished behaviors poses a critical challenge to the long-term effectiveness of behavioral interventions, including those implemented in school settings. This study examined, using a video game task and a sample of children aged 6 to 11 years, the efficacy of two strategies previously supported in research with adult humans and other animals: the use of extinction cues and extinction across multiple contexts. In Experiment 1, the introduction during the test phase of a cue previously associated with the extinction phase significantly reduced AAB renewal. In Experiment 2, conducting extinction in three different contexts decreased the magnitude of the ABA renewal effect. These findings may hold promise for the development of behavioral interventions that are more resistant to relapse, thereby contributing to the design of more effective behavioral interventions in childhood.
Related Concept Videos
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Principles of Classical Conditioning
During the...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Primary and Secondary Reinforcers
Effective reinforcers for humans vary depending on the individual and the context. Primary reinforcers, such as food, water, sleep, shelter, and pleasure, have inherent value and satisfy basic biological...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Punishment
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior....

