Reinforcer 2: Punishment

Behaviors require a powerful meshwork of reinforcement for them stand strong. Habits may be regarded as behaviors that have solidified over time with constant cementing; they seem rigid and unbreakable. Reinforcers are to be applied rightly to shape behavior appropriately. While reward may seem like the commonly applied reinforcer, punishment is more than often used in homes, schools, as well as society at large to terminate negative and ill behaviors.

Dynamics of punishment

A negative outcome to behavior usually diminishes likelihood of its recurrence. Punishment is an authoritative imposition of something unpleasant (in response to a behavior of course else it would just seem like undue annoyance, spite or revenge). All men, including most with near average intelligence also work towards self-satisfaction and personal preservation. Everyone dislikes trouble and misfortunes befalling their way. Hence an awareness of punishment seemingly prevents that particular behavior.

• If you spill the water I will whack you
• If you don’t do homework I will slap you
• If you don’t study you will fail in your exam
• If you jump the traffic light you will be fined
• If you don’t eat you will become weak and frail
• If you commit that hineous crime, you'll be convicted

It seems but natural that one wouldn't indulge in behaviors that result in punishment. The slap, whack, failure (presuming that the person finds it’s hostile), a monetary fine and physical weakness; all are negative consequences of a performed behavior. They may not essentially qualify as classical ‘punishment’, but they are unwanted; and they vary in degrees of unpleasantness and severity. They seem unfair to most, yet they are deserved by many. The emotion associated with punishment is frequently subjective so many become unmindful of it.

When punishment fails

On occasion, punishment fails, and the fear of it does not deter the unwanted behavior adequately enough. Fear of punishment may have minimal impact on naughtiness in kids, their poor school performance, or incoordination; as well as the incidence of criminality in society for instance. However the severity, frequency and duration of it do kindle specific behavior change. Children try to be careful; they unwantingly eat their food, do their homework and study for exams. And people follow traffic rules too. However the vast majority has become indifferent to punishment. Fear is not the best driver.

Why punish then?

Punishment can be vindicated by the criminal justice system to teach people social norms for what is correct and what they would undergo if they made the wrong choice. This itself acts as a reinforcer to prevent ill behaviors and promote optimal ones. However in relationships, punishment is not the supreme technique to guide behavior. Inner motivators need to be set rightly in order to make right choices for veracious action. With or without negative outcome, behaviors ought to influence positive action. It would make the world a better place…