Positive Punishment and Negative Punishment: how do they work?

People behave differently depending on the situation. We try to adapt our behavior to the situations we live in, so that it is adaptive in the natural and social environment. However, in some cases they are carried out different behaviors that are maladaptive for us, are not suitable or allow a good coexistence or hinder the relationship between peers.

Sometimes it may be necessary to make a modification of these behaviors. Two of the most basic procedures when it comes to modifying behaviors, especially when reducing their frequency, are positive punishment and negative punishment. How do they work?

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Punishment as a behavior modification technique

Punishment is a type of behavior modification technique based on behaviorism, specifically in the operant conditioning, which is based on the fact that the performance of a behavior and its frequency is influenced by the consequences of said behavior.

If a behavior has as a consequence the administration of some type of reinforcer

desired behavior or the avoidance or withdrawal of an aversive stimulus the behavior will become more frequent, while if instead of it the consequence is the appearance of aversive stimulation or the withdrawal of reinforcing stimuli the behavior will tend to diminish.

In the case of punishment, we would be facing a type of procedure through which it is intended influence the frequency of a behavior to cause a decrease in it, or its complete elimination.

There are two types of punishment depending on whether they act through the administration of aversive stimuli or the elimination of a positive stimulation: positive punishment and negative punishment respectively. In both cases the punishment should be applied contingently to the behavior to be diminished, so that it can be considered a consequence of the action.

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Positive Punishment

Positive punishment is one in which an aversive stimulus is applied to the subject before the performance of a certain behavior, making the stimulus a consequence of its performance, in order for the individual to decrease the frequency or stop performing the behavior in question.

Thus, the basic mechanism of positive punishment is to present an unpleasant stimulus every time the person does the unwanted behavior. It is recommended that stimulations be used consistently, so that behavior is always followed by consequence. Behavior modification occurs as a way for the subject to avoid or escape aversive stimulation.

Positive punishment is a procedure on which various techniques are based, such as the set of aversive therapies (electrical, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, auditory, chemical or covert), satiation as a mass practice in different addictive disorders, overcorrection or face shield.

The Negative Punishment

The basic workings of negative punishment is based on the withdrawal of a desired stimulus and reinforcer on the part of the subject before the realization of a specific behavior, so that the subject decreases its frequency in prevention of said loss.

In short, in negative punishment something that the person wants is removed every time he does the unwanted behavior. In this sense, it is necessary to take into account that the stimulus to be withdrawn is significant for the personotherwise it would have no effect.

As procedures based on negative punishment, techniques such as time out, the response cost, and is part of others such as the contingency contract.

Uses and considerations regarding the effectiveness of these techniques

Both positive punishment and negative punishment have been applied in various contexts. They are applied in clinical practice, education, the business world or even at the legal level (legal sanctions can be considered positive or negative punishments).

Both types of punishment are procedures that are successful in reducing or even ending behaviors fairly quickly. If your application is chosen, must be run consistently and contingent on the conduct and in proportion to the severity of the conduct.

However, it must be borne in mind that the change they produce is usually only superficial and based on fear of punishment, not generating a true change in attitudes in most of the cases.

In addition, it can cause fear to spread and provoke fear towards the person or institution that applies the punishment, as well as resentment towards this. Relationships with the one who applies the punishment, then, can get substantially worse, in the worst case. It also worsens the feeling of control and self-esteem if the causes of the punishment are not understood or what to do to act correctly.

• Related article: "The 8 reasons not to use physical punishment towards children"

Bibliographic references:

• Almendro, M.T. (2012). Psychotherapies. CEDE PIR Preparation Manual, 06. CEDE: Madrid.

• Horse, V. (1991). Behavior Modification and Therapy Techniques Manual. XXI century. Madrid.

• Domjan, M. & Burkhard, B. (1990). Principles of learning and behavior. Debate. Madrid.

• Labrador F.J.; Crusader F. J. & López, M. (2005). Behavior therapy and modification techniques manual. Pyramid: Madrid.