In behavior analysis, what do you call the events that follow a behavior?

In behavior analysis, the term for events that follow a behavior is indeed consequences. Consequences are critical in the study of behavior because they influence the likelihood of the behavior being repeated in the future. When a behavior is followed by a reinforcing consequence, it increases the chances of that behavior occurring again; conversely, if a behavior is followed by a punishing consequence, the likelihood of the behavior occurring again decreases.

Understanding the role of consequences is fundamental for behavior modification strategies, as they serve to either strengthen or weaken a behavior. In functional assessments, identifying these consequences helps practitioners determine what maintains a behavior and what strategies may effectively modify it.

Prompts, on the other hand, are stimuli that assist in the initiation of a behavior. Antecedents refer to events that occur before a behavior, setting the stage for the behavior to potentially occur. Triggers often describe stimuli or events that evoke a particular response but are not specifically classified as consequences. Recognizing the distinctions among these terms is crucial for effectively analyzing and addressing behaviors.