In the context of DRA, what is the replacement behavior for a child who cries to escape a situation?

In the context of Differential Reinforcement of Alternatives (DRA), the goal is to teach an appropriate replacement behavior that meets the same need as the undesired behavior. For a child who cries to escape a situation, the replacement behavior should provide a functional way for the child to request a break from the situation.

Asking for a break is a suitable response because it allows the child to communicate their needs effectively and appropriately. By reinforcing this behavior, the child learns that they can express their need for a break in a way that is socially acceptable and understood by others, rather than resorting to crying, which may not be productive and could escalate the situation.

Other responses would not serve the same purpose. Crying louder would merely intensify the same undesired behavior. Ignoring the demand doesn't provide the child with any tools to express themselves and could lead to further frustration and escalation. Throwing objects represents an aggressive behavior that poses safety risks and does not effectively communicate the child’s needs for a break. Thus, asking for a break is the most appropriate and effective replacement behavior in this scenario.