Understanding Positive Punishment in Operant Conditioning

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation expert, psychology instructor, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Positive punishment is a key element in B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning theory. But how does this process actually function? The primary aim of any punishment is to reduce the likelihood of a specific behavior occurring again. Positive punishment involves introducing an unpleasant consequence immediately after an undesired behavior.

When an individual engages in an unwanted action, an adverse outcome is intentionally applied. For instance, if you're training your dog to stop chewing your favorite slippers, you might verbally reprimand the dog whenever you catch it chewing your shoes. Because the dog performed an unwanted behavior (chewing shoes), you imposed an unpleasant consequence (verbal scolding).

The term "positive punishment" can be confusing since it combines 'positive' and 'punishment.' The easiest way to remember its meaning is that it involves adding an aversive stimulus to the situation. Therefore, positive punishment is sometimes called punishment by application.

Examples of Positive Punishment

You can observe positive punishment in everyday life. Examples include:

• Receiving a speeding ticket after driving too fast through a school zone.
• Being scolded by a teacher when your phone rings during a lecture because you forgot to silence it.
• Getting reprimanded by an instructor for wearing a baseball cap that violates the school dress code.

These instances involve aversive consequences intended to discourage the behavior that triggered them.

While positive punishment is often administered by others, it can also occur naturally as a direct result of behavior. Experiencing negative outcomes makes it less likely you'll repeat the behavior in the future.

Spanking as an Example of Positive Punishment

Although positive punishment can be effective in certain cases, Skinner emphasized the importance of considering potential negative side effects. One well-known example is spanking, which involves striking a child on the buttocks with an open hand. According to a national survey, 72% of adults believe spanking is acceptable.

Some studies suggest that mild, occasional spanking may not be harmful, especially when combined with other disciplinary techniques. However, a comprehensive 2013 meta-analysis by psychologist Elizabeth Gershoff linked spanking to poorer parent-child relationships and increased antisocial behaviors, delinquency, and aggression. Recent research controlling for various factors has echoed these findings.

Summary

While positive punishment has its place, many experts recommend alternative operant conditioning strategies that are often more effective for modifying behavior both short- and long-term. These alternatives typically avoid the risks associated with positive punishment.

Read more:

• Psychology
• Theories
• Behavioral Psychology

Sources:

1. Taylor CA, Manganello JA, Lee SJ, Rice JC. Mothers’ spanking of 3-year-old children and subsequent risk of children’s aggressive behavior. Pediatrics. 2010;125(5):e1057-65.
2. Gershoff ET. Spanking and Child Development: We Know Enough Now To Stop Hitting Our Children. Child Dev Perspect. 2013;7(3):133‐137. doi:10.1111/cdep.12038
3. Sege RD, Siegel BS; COUNCIL ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT; COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH. Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children. Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20183112. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-3112

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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