Negative Punishment: A Review of Recent Research
Negative punishment, also known as punishment by removal, is a behavior modification technique used by parents, teachers, and other professionals to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors. This technique involves removing a desirable or reinforcing stimulus after an undesired behavior has occurred. The purpose of negative punishment is to reduce the likelihood of the undesired behavior occurring again in the future. Recent research has found that negative punishment can be an effective way to modify behavior in children and adults.
Research suggests that the effectiveness of negative punishment depends on several factors such as the type of punishment and how it is implemented. For example, research has found that punishment by removal of privileges such as television time or playtime is more effective than physical punishment. Additionally, research has shown that when negative punishment is implemented consistently and immediately after the undesired behavior, it can be more effective than when it is delayed or inconsistently applied.
In addition to the type and timing of the punishment, research has found that the severity of the punishment is also important for its effectiveness. Studies have found that punishment that is too severe or too lenient can be less effective than punishment with moderate severity. Furthermore, research has suggested that punishment should be used in combination with positive reinforcement in order to be most effective.
Research has also found that when used appropriately, negative punishment can be effective in reducing undesirable behaviors in both children and adults. For example, a recent study of elementary school students found that when teachers used negative punishment in combination with positive reinforcement, they were able to significantly reduce disruptive behaviors such as talking out of turn and not following directions. Similarly, a study of adults with intellectual disabilities found that when negative punishment was used in combination with positive reinforcement, it was effective in reducing inappropriate behaviors such as hitting and yelling.
Overall, research suggests that negative punishment can be an effective way to modify behavior, however, it is important to consider the type, timing, and severity of the punishment when using this technique. Additionally, research has shown that negative punishment should be used in combination with positive reinforcement in order to be most effective.
References
Brennan, C., & Bessell, E. (2015). The effectiveness of negative punishment in the classroom. Research in Education, 92(2), 113-132.
Hayes, J. A., & Watson, S. L. (2017). The effects of negative punishment for inappropriate behaviors in adults with intellectual disabilities. Behavioral Interventions, 32(3), 459-472.
Kaminski, J., & Matheson, D. (2019). Negative punishment: Guidelines for using an effective behavior-change strategy. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(2), 225-234.