What is the primary purpose of mands in communication?

The primary purpose of mands in communication is to request items or actions. Mands are a type of verbal operant identified by B.F. Skinner, where the individual communicates a need or desire to obtain a specific item or action from another person. For example, when a child says "juice" while pointing to a cup, they are using a mand to request the juice they want. This operant is characterized by its function to fulfill the speaker's needs or wants, thereby directly influencing their environment in a meaningful way. In this context, it is an essential skill for effective communication and independence since it allows individuals to actively seek out and obtain what they require.