How is negative reinforcement defined in the context of behavior modification?

In the context of behavior modification, negative reinforcement is defined as the process of strengthening a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus. This means that when a certain behavior is performed, and it leads to the cessation or avoidance of an aversive condition, the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future is increased.

For example, if a student studies, and as a result, they no longer feel the stress or anxiety associated with a failing grade, the behavior of studying is reinforced. The unpleasant stimulus, in this case, is the stress of potentially failing, which is removed when the student successfully studies and improves their performance.

This understanding of negative reinforcement contrasts with concepts like punishment, where an aversive consequence is introduced to decrease a behavior, or positive reinforcement, where a favorable outcome or stimulus is added to encourage a behavior. The key aspect of negative reinforcement is its focus on the removal of an unpleasant experience, thereby increasing the likelihood of the desired behavior being repeated in the future.