Citation

Hall PS. J. Emotion. Behav. Probl. 2013; 21(4): 22-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Compassion Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Punishment is a procedure in which responses are followed by either the removal of positive reinforcement or the presentation of an aversive stimulus (Skinner, 1953) that results in a decrease in the frequency and/or intensity of the response (Azrin & Holtz, 1966). By definition, punishment seeks to stop unacceptable, unwanted, and bothersome behaviors. The professional literature is grossly inconsistent about the efficacy of punishment. Some researchers and behavioral therapists tell parents, teachers, and other caregivers that when children misbehave, they should be punished. Others contend that punishment is an abuse of power that strains the critically important relationship bond (Amos, 2004). In this article, the author reviews the conflicting research on punishment which is either widely advocated or abhorred. He concludes that punishment is more about the adult's intent and provides a dramatic new definition.

Language: en