Reinforcer 3: Negative Reward

Some connects get stronger simply on account of the time that they have lasted. Habits are simply thoughts and behaviors that have persisted over time. Plasticity is a trait that is indeed innate to the brain cells; each one can change his or her behavior as and when they choose to. However more often than not, the mind gets accustomed to the inertia that sets in after incessant stagnation in thought and feeling. Reward and punishment enhance and diminish certain performances respectively; however the mind works analytically to alter behavior using alternate reinforces like negative reward too…

Negative yet a reward

Rewards are customarily prizes, payments, payoffs or booties that attract one towards diverse goals. Negative reward however is the avoidance of a negative outcome, which when contingent upon a behavior, diminishes the chances of that behavior from recurring. For instance:

• If you eat your food, I will not lock you in the bathroom
• If you do your homework and study hard, you will not fail
• If you control your diet and exercise you will not become fat
• If you are honest and caring, your friends will not desert you
• If you cover the driveway before the rains, water will not clog up
• If you take care of your health today, you won’t be unwell in old age

The outcomes are not rewards in themselves, however they involve a dearth of something negative. And two negatives make a positive. The interpretation of this reinforcer is essential to apply it appropriately in behavior modification in children as well as adults.

Negative reward in relationships

Positive and fruitful interactions require continual refueling from both members of the relationship dyad. It could be boss and employee, mother and child or a couple too; they must use reinforcers appropriately to acquire positive outcomes from their interaction. A couple can be nice to each other in order to avoid an argument, employees can be punctual at work to prevent tassels with superiors and children can behave well so that they are not punished by parents. The absence of punishment is the persuader of worthy behavior. It acts as a recompense in itself.

How everlasting change is mitigated

Any motivator is sturdier when originated from within. The will to please the partner, to appease the parent and gratify one’s superiors at work ought to be a natural phenomenon. The same motivators when internally prompted indeed work better; to please the partner because it makes you a better spouse; obey parents in order to be dutiful children and work harder to be diligent employees. A job well begun is half done; change in the suitable direction usually stimulates flexibility in the mind and allow good habits to get reinforced. These then become part of ones persona.

Everyday negative rewards

We perennially take alternative routes to avoid traffic, study to avoid failure, prepare before to interviews to evade rejection and reach theatres in time to elude the corner seats. It’s normal to avoid bad consequences; thus we try our best every instant. Negative reward when used suitably can improve connects between people, mend faulty interactions and improve performance; if the drivers to amend are innately prompted and the desire to do so is natural. That should be the ultimate goal adopted by parents, employers, as well as political and legal systems; to intrinsically avoid bad for each other and society at large…