What does positive punishment aim to achieve?

Positive punishment aims to introduce aversive consequences for unwanted behavior, which means that something unpleasant is presented following a behavior in order to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. By applying a negative consequence directly related to the behavior, the individual learns to associate that behavior with discomfort or an adverse outcome.

This method is utilized in various settings, such as training and behavioral modification, to help guide individuals toward more desirable behaviors by making unwanted behaviors less appealing through the addition of a negative stimulus. For instance, if a child touches a hot stove and feels pain, this aversive experience serves as a positive punishment that can deter them from touching the stove again.

Other options focus on elements like adding pleasure or rewards, which are not aligned with the concept of positive punishment. The goal of positive punishment is specifically to discourage certain behaviors rather than encouraging or rewarding them.