What is the purpose of priming in antecedent interventions?

Priming in antecedent interventions serves to prepare individuals for upcoming situations, thereby reducing anxiety and improving the likelihood of a positive response. By providing information about upcoming transitions, priming helps individuals understand what to expect, fostering a sense of security and readiness. This technique is particularly effective in managing behavioral challenges during transitions, as it can clarify expectations and streamline the adjustment process.

While increasing the value of a reinforcer, offering choices for activities, and reducing response effort are all valuable strategies in behavior intervention, they do not specifically encapsulate the unique function of priming. Priming is specifically designed to transition smoothly from one activity or environment to another by informing individuals in advance, which can significantly lessen disruptive behaviors often associated with unexpected changes.