negative reinforcement

noun

1. psychol the reinforcing of a response by giving an aversive stimulus when the response is not made and omitting the aversive stimulus when the response is made

Example Sentences

At that point, negative reinforcement kicks in.

Read more on Salon

Negative reinforcement is why someone who is trying to quit smoking, for instance, will be at highest risk of relapse in the week just after stopping and during times of stress, because in the past they’d normally turn to cigarettes for relief.

Read more on Salon

This dual capacity distinguishes us from other species which, to learn a new task, need numerous trials accompanied by positive or negative reinforcement signals, without being able to communicate it to their congeners.

Read more on Science Daily

Brewer believes that anxiety is a habit driven by negative reinforcement in the brain.

Read more on Washington Post

“One hundred percent of losers — homeless people — complain about their parents,” says mom Willa, describing how her 6-year-old, Juliette, thrives best on negative reinforcement.

Read more on Washington Post