COMPORTAMENTO EVITATIVO DE CRIANÇAS EXPOSTAS ÀS PRÁTICAS COERCITIVAS INTRAFAMILIARES: REVISÃO NARRATIVA

Abstract

This work aims to analyze, from a behavioral analysis perspective, how intrafamilial practices influence the development of escape and avoidance behaviors in children. The study was developed through a literature review, based on reference authors in the field, such as Skinner (1953), Sidman (1989), Maier and Seligman (1967), whose contributions were essential for understanding the relationships between environment, behavior, and consequence. The results indicate that coercive and punitive parenting practices, even when producing immediate obedience responses, develop harmful effects such as anxiety, withdrawal, depression and emotional difficulties. The establishment and maintenance of avoidance behavior is maintained by contingencies of negative reinforcement and punishment, in which children learn to avoid aversive stimuli, consolidating avoidance patterns. Furthermore, repeated exposure to punitive environments can elicit effects analogous to learned helplessness, as described by Seligman (1967), compromising autonomy and emotional development. It is concluded that Skinner’s proposed Behavior Analysis, Sidman’s critiques regarding coercitive control, and the functional understanding of children’s behavior should be analyzed according to the impact of coercive contingencies. Alternatively, more reinforcing educational practices favor healthier behavioral repertoires and secure family relationships

Keywords: Children; avoidance behavior; escape behavior; avoidance behavior; aversive control.