Positive Punishment Techniques And Effects On Behavior

Discipline can be challenging for many parents, and finding the right balance between leniency and authority can be difficult. Parents and caregivers may have various strategies available to help them connect with their children while providing structure and guidance to help influence positive behavior. One parenting method called positive punishment generally refers to adding something to a situation to decrease unwanted behaviors and potentially increase certain behaviors as well. For example, a parent might assign their child extra chores if they fail to clean up their room when asked. This approach is based on Skinner’s operant conditioning theory in behavioral  psychology. Positive punishment typically works best to achieve the desired outcome when paired with positive reinforcement techniques, and it’s generally not recommended to use positive punishment on its own. It can be helpful to attend parenting classes or work with a licensed therapist to determine the best parenting strategies for your family.

What is positive punishment?

Positive punishment is generally defined as a behavior modification method used to achieve a desired outcome. The concept of positive punishment involves adding something to a situation rather than removing or limiting in order to influence a particular behavior occurring (or not occurring). It’s believed to have ties to B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning theory. With this discipline strategy, the purpose of any punishment is usually to discourage behavior that is unwanted. This goal is typically achieved with positive punishment by offering unfavorable outcomes or negative consequences for undesired behaviors, such as scolding or an unpleasant task like additional chores.  Adults may see examples of positive punishment applied in everyday life. For example, they may receive a speeding ticket for driving over the limit or accrue late fees at the library for failing to return items on time. Positive punishment promotes positive behavior for many people, and with careful consideration, some parents use it to support the behaviors they want to see.

The difference between positive and negative punishment

Behavior-Modifying Positive Parenting Methods by B.F. Skinner discusses the details of using positive and negative punishment in daily life to limit undesirable behavior along with positive and negative reinforcement to encourage a desired outcome or appropriate behavior:

• Positive punishment: Adding something to the situation to discourage unwanted behavior
• Positive reinforcement: Adding something to encourage desired behavior
• Negative punishment: Taking something to discourage behavior that is unwanted
• Negative reinforcement: Taking something to encourage desired behavior

Broken down to its essentials, positive punishment typically adds a discouraging or undesirable consequence as a response to adverse behavior. You might try thinking of it as two negatives canceling each other out and making a positive. Reinforcing unwanted behaviors can reduce the likelihood that they will be repeated. Rather than referring to something desirable, “positive” relates to the ability to reinforce acceptable behaviors. Consider the terms “positive” and “negative” to correlate with “adding” and “taking away,” respectively.Experts say positive parenting should be used with careful consideration alongside positive reinforcement techniques. This can ensure positive outcomes while protecting the child’s well-being.

Positive punishment and behavioral correction

According to a 2006 study, typically positive punishment adds something, such as an unpleasant consequence, to a situation to discourage specific behaviors. For children, positive punishment might look like being given sentences, or the same sentence, to write over and over for neglecting to complete their homework. Research shows this tactic may encourage the child to manage their time better to avoid extra tasks. 

Negative punishment and behavior discipline

Negative punishment typically removes something from the equation, in order to influence specific behavior. For example, if your child doesn’t complete their chores, you may take away their favorite toy as a consequence. This tactic may encourage the child to complete their responsibilities to avoid losing something they want. 

How positive punishment and reinforcement can work together to limit unwanted behavior

With a bit of knowledge from behavioral psychology, you can limit your child’s unwanted behaviors. You may actively discourage unwanted behavior when you use positive punishment methods with your child. On its own, this can be an effective tool to modify your child’s behavior and promote positive outcomes, according to Skinner’s operant conditioning theory, but when combined with positive reinforcement techniques, you may see significant changes in your child. Positive reinforcement can promote positive behavior by adding a reward or pleasant consequence for a desired outcome, such as an allowance for completing household chores or a set monetary compensation for good grades on a report card. By discouraging unwanted behaviors and rewarding positive behavior, you can offer your child a clear, unobstructed path, should they choose to take it.

Positive punishment techniques for behavior correction and reprimand

You can influence your child’s behavior in many ways with positive punishment. There could be many examples in daily life, but here are some standard methods you may wish to try.

Marker System: Marks as consequence for behavior

This system is often used in school districts nationwide. Write the child’s name on a board and add marks for each incidence of bad behavior or breaking school rules. If they finish the day with no marks, they receive a reward like extra screen time or free time, for example.

Scolding: The aversive consequences of reprimanding in public

Reprimanding your child for misbehavior can be a standard parenting strategy. Some parents may escalate to yelling verbal reprimands at their children. While this tactic can be public or not, some psychologists suggest public embarrassment can be a traumatizing experience. Scolding in public or a teacher scolding a child in a classroom can be a form of vicarious punishment. Though it can change the child’s behavior at times, potential problems can come along with it.

Writing Sentences Or Essays: Method to discourage misbehavior

Schools often use this punishment in the classroom effectively, and you can easily adapt it for use at home as a way of influencing behavior.  

Additional Chores: Extra tasks as a positive consequence

Adding an unpleasant task to the list of chores your child performs can be a positive punishment. It may keep your child active while contributing to the maintenance of your household and avoiding the isolation of a lengthy time-out.  

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• Grounding: When a teen misses curfew, you could keep them from attending a desired event to effectively deter bad behavior, but this can easily cross the line into a negative punishment or be seen as an aversive stimulus. Grounding them in their room may be more appropriate, but this is one method that can have vague boundaries.
• Early Bedtime Or Extra Nap: Younger children often view losing time to sleep when they could play as unfavorable, so early bedtimes and extra naps can be effective as positive punishments.  
• Additional Study Time: If your child is not completing schoolwork or their grades are suffering, additional study time can be an effective positive punishment.  
• Natural Consequences: The natural consequences of your child’s actions can be a valuable teacher. These generally require no effort on your part, though consequences could range further than the immediate situation. For example, if your child refuses to study for a test, the natural consequence may be failing the test. However, your child may also do poorly in the class and be required to repeat the course if it becomes a pattern.  

Risks of positive punishment as an aversive consequence

Applying positive punishment on its own is generally not recommended as a discipline strategy, according to medical health professionals. By itself, this method can suppress adverse behaviors while providing no practical alternatives for a person’s behavior. Physical punishment or corporal punishment is frequently part of this discipline method. 

A 2010 study indicates that spanking may create a future risk for aggressive behavior by conveying to your child that problems can be solved by hitting people. Furthermore, it is frequently only a temporary solution, with adverse behaviors often returning after the punishment has ended. Researchers reviewing the past 50 years of information and peer reviewed studies suggest that your child is more likely to defy you the more you spank them. 

Drawbacks and Negative Emotions Linked to Overuse

Excessive punishment or an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., unpleasant task) without a reward system or pleasant stimulus in place may encourage your child to interpret that they receive negative feedback no matter what they do, and they could stop trying. This may backfire, leading them to experience negative emotions and to act out more in daily life, making positive punishment progressively less effective. It may no longer discourage behavior and could also lead to mental health concerns* over time. It can be helpful to explain your expectations to your child and ensure they understand the rules and the consequences. You may want to give your approach careful consideration to minimize any negative emotional impact and ensure your child’s well-being. 

* Please note that the term “mental health problems” is outdated and no longer used in the DSM-5.

Turning misbehavior into a learning opportunity

By combining positive punishment with other operant conditioning methods, parents,  educators, and school districts can turn misbehavior into learning opportunities. In addition to discouraging the adverse behavior, it can be best to explain why it was unacceptable, provide an alternate option, and reward positive choices.

Modeling good behavior

You are generally your child’s first and most crucial teacher. Most children model their behavior after parents or guardians, according to recent studies. In addition to using positive punishment, it may be beneficial to model the positive behavior you want to see, and your children will likely pick them up over time. This can be an effective tool that yields positive outcomes in many cases.

Tips for using positive punishment effectively in discipline

• One of the most important aspects of positive child and teen punishment is generally consistency. Studies show that this discipline method usually only works if it’s applied consistently. 
• Use positive punishment in conjunction with positive reinforcement. 
• Give your consequences careful consideration and apply them uniformly.
• Talk to your child about problem-solving, why their behavior was problematic, and how they can do something different in the future. 
• Hold firm to your stated consequence when the child performs a certain behavior.
• Appeal to your child’s self-interest with a reminder of the consequences or unpleasant task they could face if the behavior occurs.
• Hold your children accountable for their behavior. 
• Avoid sarcasm and disdain; your primary goal is generally to teach your children, not tear them donw with verbal reprimands.

How positive reinforcement can lead to better behaviors

When you provide clear expectations, discouragement for unwanted behaviors, and rewards/reinforcement techniques for positive behavior, you can make it much easier for your child to choose the path of least resistance and display the desired outcome. 

By actively encouraging good behavior or giving a pleasant consequence and offering explanations to your child along the way, you can help them choose to display desired behaviors while building a solid relationship with them and helping them to understand what is acceptable. This balanced approach requires careful consideration, since your child’s well-being may be on the line. 

Ethical Use of Positive Punishment: What Research Says

To promote positive behavior in an ethical way, it may be important to give careful consideration to not only Skinner’s operant conditioning theory, but also your child’s mental health. Numerous studies in behavioral psychology have suggested that positive punishment can be detrimental to a child’s emotional well-being, possibly causing them to become aggressive or hostile. This type of parenting approach could be especially harmful when used in isolation. While positive punishment may produce the desired outcome, it could also have unintended negative effects. 

Consider attending parenting classes

Parents tend to face many responsibilities, and it’s not necessarily surprising that parenting can be challenging. Beyond teaching valuable information about your chosen topics, parenting classes can help you find a community of other parents likely to experience similar challenges. It can be helpful to relate your concerns with others who can understand. Parenting classes can also teach coping skills, broaden your horizons with new parenting styles and philosophies, and correct any harmful behaviors or ideas you may have so you can be a positive, active influence in your child’s life. 

How to Create an Effective Behavior Plan

To promote positive behavior while giving careful consideration to their child’s well-being, some parents decide to create a behavior plan. This could be a good way to get both parents and/or other caregivers on the same page in terms of the desired outcome. For the most effective plan, you may want to consider current research in behavioral psychology as well as your child’s unique personality and temperament. Whether you decide to use punishment or not, consider adding positive reinforcement techniques as these tend to work best.

How therapy can help you build stronger family dynamics

When choosing a discipline method for your family, consider working with a licensed therapist through an online provider. Therapy can teach you practical parenting, communication skills, and coping strategies to manage stress and challenging behaviors. Many said attending family therapy from home made it feasible to fit into their busy schedules. Online therapy can also provide the benefit of reduced costs, reduced wait times, and flexible appointment formats. 

Online therapy: A viable alternative

According to results from recent studies, online family therapy can be a viable alternative to treatments in the traditional office setting. The virtual environment can also help younger patients feel comfortable. If individual therapy sounds like a better fit, online cognitive behavioral therapy can also be highly effective.