How is "extinction" defined in behavior therapy?

In behavior therapy, extinction is defined as the process of withholding reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior, which leads to a decrease in the frequency or occurrence of that behavior over time. This technique is based on the idea that behaviors that are no longer reinforced will eventually diminish, as the individual learns that the behavior no longer results in a desired outcome. For example, if a child throws a tantrum to get attention and the parents stop providing that attention when the tantrum occurs, the child is less likely to exhibit that behavior in the future.

This approach is distinct from other options, which do not accurately reflect the concept of extinction. Introducing punishments or reinforcing all behaviors would not accurately describe the process of removing reinforcement or extinction.