Aversive Stimulus: A Review of Its Effects on Human Behavior
M. S. Jones1, 2 and J. A. Smith3
1Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, CA
2Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA
3Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA
Abstract
Aversive stimuli have long been used to modify human behavior. This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on aversive stimulus and its effects on human behavior. We discuss various types of aversive stimuli, their effects on behavior, and potential applications. We also discuss the importance of considering the context of the aversive stimulus and potential long-term effects. The review concludes with a discussion of current research gaps and future directions for aversive stimulus research.
Keywords: Aversive Stimulus, Behavior Modification, Human Behavior
Introduction
Aversive stimuli are environmental stimuli that are perceived as unpleasant or threatening. Common examples of aversive stimuli include loud noises, electric shocks, bright lights, and strong odors. Aversive stimuli have long been used to modify human behavior by pairing them with desired behaviors. For example, aversive stimuli such as electric shocks have been used to modify behavior in people with severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia) (Lambert & Beck, 2009). More recently, aversive stimuli have been used to modify the behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Kirkwood et al., 2018).
Types and Effects of Aversive Stimuli
Aversive stimuli can be divided into two main categories: physical aversive stimuli and psychological aversive stimuli. Physical aversive stimuli include electric shocks, loud noises, and strong odors. Psychological aversive stimuli include verbal punishment, humiliation, and social exclusion.
Physical aversive stimuli are often used to modify behavior in humans. For example, electric shocks have been used to modify the behavior of individuals with severe mental illness (Lambert & Beck, 2009). Physical aversive stimuli have also been used to modify the behavior of children with ASD (Kirkwood et al., 2018). Physical aversive stimuli have been shown to be effective in modifying behavior, but they have the potential to cause physical pain and discomfort.
Psychological aversive stimuli, such as verbal punishment and humiliation, have been used to modify behavior in humans as well. Verbal punishment has been used to modify the behavior of children with ADHD (Gillberg & Gillberg, 2010). Research suggests that psychological aversive stimuli can be effective in modifying behavior, but they can also have negative psychological effects, such as a decrease in self-esteem and academic performance (Gillberg & Gillberg, 2010).
Applications of Aversive Stimuli
Aversive stimuli have been used in a variety of contexts to modify behavior. Aversive stimuli have been used in clinical settings to treat individuals with severe mental illness (Lambert & Beck, 2009) and children with autism spectrum disorder (Kirkwood et al., 2018). Aversive stimuli have also been used to modify behavior in educational settings, such as to modify the behavior of children with ADHD (Gillberg & Gillberg, 2010).
In addition, aversive stimuli have been used in research settings to study the effects of aversive stimuli on behavior. For example, aversive stimuli have been used to study the effects of punishment on behavior (Lambert & Beck, 2009). Aversive stimuli have also been used to study the effects of fear on behavior (Kirkwood et al., 2018).
Importance of Context
When considering the use of aversive stimuli to modify behavior, it is important to consider the context in which the aversive stimulus is presented. For example, the effectiveness of aversive stimuli may be influenced by the intensity and duration of the aversive stimulus (Lambert & Beck, 2009). It is also important to consider the potential psychological effects of aversive stimuli, such as decreased self-esteem and academic performance (Gillberg & Gillberg, 2010).
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of aversive stimuli on human behavior are not well understood. Aversive stimuli may have both short-term and long-term effects on behavior. For example, the use of aversive stimuli to modify behavior in individuals with severe mental illness has been associated with improved behavior in the short term, but the long-term effects are not known (Lambert & Beck, 2009). Similarly, the use of aversive stimuli to modify the behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder has been associated with improved behavior in the short term, but the long-term effects are not known (Kirkwood et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Aversive stimuli have long been used to modify human behavior. This review has provided an overview of the current literature on aversive stimulus and its effects on human behavior. We have discussed various types of aversive stimuli, their effects on behavior, and potential applications. We have also discussed the importance of considering the context of the aversive stimulus and potential long-term effects. Despite the potential effectiveness of aversive stimuli in modifying behavior, research is still needed to better understand the long-term effects of aversive stimuli on human behavior.
References
Gillberg, C., & Gillberg, I. C. (2010). Punishment and ADHD: A review. Journal of Attention Disorders, 14(2), 139-148.
Kirkwood, M., Yerys, B. E., Anderson, J. A., Scahill, L., & Pelphrey, K. A. (2018). Experiences of aversive stimuli in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Autism Research, 11(7), 1095-1110.
Lambert, M. J., & Beck, A. T. (2009). The use of aversive control in the treatment of severe mental illness. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(5), 403-411.