Automatic negative reinforcementNegative Reinforcement occurs when an aversive stimulus is removed or avoided after a behavior, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. Unlike punishment, nega... More occurs when a behaviorBehavior refers to any activity or action that living organisms engage in, which can be observed, measured, and analyzed. It encompasses all interactions an organism has with its environment, inc... More is strengthened because it directly results in the removal, reduction, or avoidance of an aversive stimulusStimulus is defined as any change in the environment or form of energy that affects an organism’s behavior or physiological state. Stimuli can be external or internal, and they can el... More, without the involvement of another person. The reinforcementReinforcement is a fundamental concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral psychology. It refers to any consequence that follows a behavior and increases the likelihood that the behavior... More is intrinsic to the behavior itself, meaning the behavior occurs to eliminate an unpleasant sensation or experience, and the individual is motivated to continue the behavior because it alleviates discomfort.
Example
An individual scratches their skin to relieve an itch. In this case, the behavior (scratching) is automatically reinforced because it removes the aversive sensation (itchiness), making it more likely that the individual will scratch again when experiencing similar discomfort. No one else is involved in providing the reinforcement—the relief comes directly from the behavior itself.
Reinforcement, Socially Mediated Negative ReinforcementA student frequently complains about a difficult math assignment, and each time the teacher responds by allowing the student to take a break or giving them easier work. The student’s behavior of com... More