Why might a person engage in behavior to seek attention?

Engaging in behaviors to seek attention can be primarily motivated by the desire for recognition from peers or therapists. This behavior often stems from an individual’s need to be acknowledged and validated by others in their environment. When a person acts out or behaves in a way that is designed to attract attention, they are often expressing a fundamental human desire for social connection and affirmation.

Seeking attention can serve various psychological functions. For instance, it may fulfill emotional needs, such as feeling valued or important within social situations. When individuals receive attention, whether positive or negative, it can reinforce their actions and lead to repeated behaviors; thus, gaining recognition from peers or caregivers can become a powerful motivator.

The other options suggest alternative reasons for behavior, such as independence, access to activities, or social skills development, which don't directly correlate with the attention-seeking motive. Independence typically implies a desire to act without reliance on others, while regaining access to preferred activities suggests a functional approach to behavior rather than an emotional need for attention. Similarly, developing social skills involves a learning process aimed at improving social interactions rather than specifically seeking attention.