What can be an example of negative reinforcement in a dental context?

The example of negative reinforcement in a dental context is accurately represented by the relief from dental pain leading to more visits. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase a desired behavior. In this case, if a patient experiences dental pain and then receives treatment that alleviates that pain, the relief serves as a powerful motivator for the patient to return for future dental visits. The removal of the discomfort (the unpleasant stimulus) encourages the behavior of going to the dentist, as the patient associates the visits with gaining relief from pain.

In contrast, other options involve positive reinforcement or simply describe non-reinforcement scenarios. For example, receiving a sticker or a toy for good behavior would represent positive reinforcement, as these are rewards given to encourage specific behavior rather than removing an unpleasant stimulus. Pain from dental procedures typically serves as a deterrent to future visits rather than a reinforcer, representing a negative experience that patients generally seek to avoid. This understanding highlights the critical distinction between negative reinforcement and other forms of reinforcement or punishment.