In the often complex world of behavioral analysis, the simplest and most fundamental question is this: what variables influence behavior? Every adult who interacts with children finds themselves faced with this question as they work to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones.
While many parents have heard terms like ‘positive’ and ‘negative reinforcement’ before, they are often associated with misconceptions about what they truly mean. When the basic principles of behavioral modification are understood, they can be used to craft a more informed and intentional approach to discipline. Similarly, knowing how these variables differ for children with ADHD supports a more nuanced grasp of how they work in action and what strategies will lead to improved outcomes.
4 KEY TERMS FOR BEHAVIORAL INFLUENCE
First, there are two modes of influence:
Reinforcement, which aims to ‘reinforce’ or increase a desired behavior
Punishment, which aims to decrease undesirable behavior
Second, there are two ways of approaching both reinforcement and punishment:
Positive, which adds a stimulus (environmental change)
Negative, which removes a stimulus
See a visual example here.
REINFORCEMENT: INCREASING DESIRED BEHAVIORS
Positive reinforcement means that if you want to increase the frequency of a certain behavior, you would add (positive) a stimulus (ie. reward). Some examples of positive reinforcers include verbal/written praise, tokens/points that can be redeemed for something of value, and tangible items like candy, toys, treats, etc.
Positive reinforcers should be:
Carefully selected - using food has unfortunately been linked to negative effects, whereas more ‘natural’ consequences create a stronger connection between the action and the result (ex. cleaning a room quickly/completely might mean that now there is enough time to go to the park or to play an extra game together)
Quickly delivered - reinforcement patterns have a tremendous influence on behavioral outcomes; wherever possible, avoid overly delayed reinforcers (the sooner, the better)
Consistent - results take time, and inconsistency may unintentionally lead to worsening behavior
Directly linked to the behavior - explain precisely why the desired behavior was important and how/why it is linked to receiving the reward/reinforcer
Interestingly, deciding how to implement positive reinforcement is particularly important for children with ADHD, as they demonstrate higher sensitivity to both punishment and rewards (Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2020). Behavior modification for these children should take into consideration the strong preference for immediate over delayed rewards and the heightened need for consistent, high-value reinforcers.
On the other hand, while negative reinforcement also aims to increase the frequency of a desired behavior, it achieves this through the removal (negative) of a stimulus (something unwanted). For example, if a class is well-behaved, the teacher may waive a homework assignment.
The term negative reinforcement is often mistakenly used to refer to the reduction of undesirable behaviors; however, the correct term for this is punishment.
It is widely understood that positive reinforcement works better and faster - by far - than punishment does (National Library of Medicine). When adults are frustrated that ‘nothing is working’ for behavioral change, this is often directly associated with multiple forms of punishment for undesirable behaviors without positive rewards in place for good behavior.
PUNISHMENT: DECREASING UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS
In contrast to reinforcement, punishment aims to reduce undesirable behavior, and positive/negative still refers to the addition or removal of a stimulus. Positive punishment, then, is the addition of an aversive stimulus, such as being given extra chores or having to write an essay about a poor choice, and negative punishment is the removal of a desired stimulus, such as taking away privileges, attention, or toys.
When it comes to positive punishment, or the addition of a stimulus to decrease a behavior, this often is associated with physical punishment. It is now widely understood that all forms of physical punishment are discouraged, due to its strong association with antisocial behaviors, aggression, and negatively impacted child development.
While some mild forms of negative punishment (such as losing privileges) may “increase on-task behavior and reduce undesirable behaviors effectively in the short-term… its long-term use and/or the use of positive punishment may have unanticipated and unwanted side-effects in children with ADHD” (Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2020). This approach can also lead to children being motivated by a desire to avoid punishment, rather than an intrinsic drive to perform well or a sense of true engagement with the desired behavior.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Positive reinforcement - or the addition of a stimulus/reward in response to ‘good behavior’ - is regarded as the most effective approach to influencing behavior.
Punishment is less effective in the long term and is associated with potentially negative effects.
When it comes to children with ADHD, it is especially important to use positive reinforcers that are a) consistent, b) immediate, and c) high-value.
Using this understanding to promote better outcomes in children’s behavior leads to improved performance in school, at home, in relationships, and in emotional regulation.
Written by Brandi R.