What is the meaning of "maintenance" in behavior change?

The term "maintenance" in the context of behavior change refers specifically to the continuation of desired behavior over time, once it has been established. In applied behavior analysis, maintenance is crucial because it indicates that the behavior is not just a temporary result of intervention but has become a stable and enduring part of an individual’s repertoire.

When a behavior is maintained, it demonstrates that the individual can exhibit the desired behavior consistently even after the initial teaching and reinforcement periods have concluded or after a decrease in direct support. This permanence in behavior is vital for achieving long-lasting positive outcomes in individuals' lives.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of behavior and learning. The ability to learn new behaviors quickly pertains to acquisition and immediate learning processes, rather than the longevity of the behavior once learned. An immediate increase in a target behavior is related to how quickly the behavior can be established but does not address its longevity or sustainability. Seeking feedback on behavior changes is a part of the learning and adjustment process that can support maintenance but does not define it. Therefore, the emphasis on the persistence of a behavior over time is what makes the chosen answer the correct one.