Exploring The Psychology Of Punishment

As a parent, you likely already have some ideas of what punishment is, but have you considered it from a psychological perspective? Punishment in psychology is a facet of operant conditioning or behavior modification involving adverse consequences when a specific behavior occurs. Read on to learn more about the psychology of punishment, how it affects children, and the skills you can learn in online therapy to support balanced discipline in your family. 

Key facts about the psychology of punishment and a child’s behavior

• The terms positive and negative have many connotations. For the context of this topic, it can be helpful to think of them as addition and subtraction, either adding something to or removing something from the situation to discourage the punished behavior. 
• Corporal punishment is globally prevalent, with approximately 60% of children aged 2-14 regularly receiving physical punishment from caregivers or school officials. 
• Research shows that positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishment in altering antisocial behavior and undesired conduct. 

What is punishment in a psychological context?

Behavioral expert B.F. Skinner first developed the operant conditioning theory, proposing that some behaviors can be “controlled” by the positive or negative consequences they cause. Discover how punishment influences behavior and reduces the likelihood that the behavior occurs.

Parents use various behavior modification methods involving positive and negative punishment and reinforcement throughout their children’s lives. From receiving extra chores or homework for not meeting responsibilities to earning extra treats or privileges for good behavior, children often learn how to act through the consequences of their behavior. Children may also learn through natural consequences such as experiencing pain at touching a hot surface. 

“Effective and positive discipline is about teaching and guiding children, not just forcing them to obey. As with all other interventions aimed at pointing out unacceptable behavior, the child should always know that the parent loves and supports him or her. Trust between parent and child should be maintained and constantly built upon.” — Effective Discipline for Children, National Library of Medicine

Types of punishment: Negative punishment vs positive punishment

Within the context of psychology, there are various forms of punishment. Explore the differences between the types of punishment and what separates them. 

Positive punishment

The addition of an aversive stimulus to the situation to discourage unwanted behavior is called positive punishment. This category includes things like assigning extra homework to students who fail to turn their work in on time or adding an earlier curfew, or grounding a misbehaving teen. Remembering that some behaviors may carry consequences you don't implement can also be essential. Some examples of such inherent consequences include:

• Eating too many sweets and having a stomachache or toothache
• Staying up too late and not getting to school or work on time, or being too tired to function properly
• Refusing to wear a jacket and being cold
• Not studying and failing an important test

Negative punishment

Removing a positive stimulus to discourage undesired behavior is negative punishment. This strategy can be most effective when your response is consistent, timely, and applied appropriately upon demonstration of the target behavior. 

• Taking a misbehaving teenager’s phone because they have a bad attitude   
• Cutting screen time or taking a favorite toy to stop a toddler’s tantrum
• Removing privileges, like attending special events, for not meeting responsibilities

Physical punishment

Possible results include enhanced hormonal reactions to stress, shifts in brain structure and function, impediments to healthy childhood development, and overloads to the nervous, nutritional, or cardiovascular systems. 

How operant conditioning affects target behavior

Skinner’s operant conditioning theory targets unwanted behavior by applying consequences to encourage (reinforce) or discourage (punish) specific conduct in certain situations or settings. 

Introducing aversive stimuli to discourage undesirable behavior

In operant conditioning and positive punishment, negative consequences are applied to discourage children from repeating unwanted behavior. For example, a toddler who hits others may earn a time-out, or a child who refuses to clean up their toys may receive additional clean-up duties. 

Removing favorable stimuli to decrease unwanted behavior

Taking something away or subtracting from the circumstances can also serve to influence someone away from undesired behavior. For example, a teen who won’t respect curfew may lose their phone or driving privileges. 

Behavior modification works best with a combination of positive and negative reinforcement 

According to numerous psychological studies, effective results are often found with a combination of positive and negative reinforcement to help reshape unhealthy or maladaptive behavior into healthy, productive habits and increase the instances of desired behavior. 

What is the most effective way to encourage appropriate behavior, according to psychologists?

Many people in the psychological community believe the most effective way to encourage appropriate behavior is through positive reinforcement while explaining the reasoning behind the changed patterns. Providing incentives to repeat desired actions can help a child understand the connection between rewards and good behavior. 

“Reinforcement and punishment both work independently, as well as together, as part of a behavior plan. Positive reinforcement works exceedingly better and faster than punishment.” — Behavior Modification, National Library of Medicine

Exploring how online therapy supports effective parental discipline

Speaking with a qualified counselor can help parents in many ways, encouraging the development of a balanced discipline system and supporting your individual mental health through the various challenges parenting presents. 

Teaching healthy, productive emotional regulation

Therapy can help you develop your sense of emotional intelligence, awareness, and literacy. When you can recognize, understand, and express your feelings, you will likely have an easier time identifying and reacting to your child’s emotions. 

Parent training for education and support

One of the most beneficial aspects of psychotherapy treatment for caregivers is parent training, which can teach many practical tips for communicating with children and creating compromises to work through issues together. With the support and guidance of a therapist, parents can expand their perspective to gain a greater understanding of what their child is experiencing so they can react appropriately.  

Developing open communication channels and healthy habits

Therapy can teach parents how to establish open channels of communication within their family dynamic, making it standard practice to talk openly about their thoughts and feelings. Children may develop an advanced emotional understanding and awareness when these habits are set early in life. 

Positive and negative impacts of punishment on mental health

• When children receive frequent punishment, it can lead to counterproductive effects, leaving them feeling misunderstood, alone, and rejected, or interpreting that they are a "bad" child because they don’t behave the way you want. Consider balancing punishments with reinforcement to correct behaviors while supporting changes with desired stimuli. 
• Punishments can teach your child that their actions have consequences and which behaviors are acceptable. 
• Children who receive frequent, harsh punishments may experience a higher risk of a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, increased aggression, and the development of poor social skills. 

How online therapy can help you balance punishment and reinforcement

Many parents benefit from the expertise and advice of a qualified counselor to support them as individuals and caregivers. Consider working with a licensed therapist online through a virtual teletherapy platform like BetterHelp for the support and guidance of a mental health professional. Therapy can teach parenting, emotional recognition and regulation, coping skills, communication, and conflict resolution—all from the convenience of your own home, on your schedule.  

If you are a parent or guardian who believes your adolescent child could benefit from speaking with a counselor, TeenCounseling provides online therapy for kids ages 12 to 19. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular psychotherapy treatment focused on helping patients explore the connection between their thoughts and feelings. CBT can help people identify and reshape unhealthy thinking that adversely influences their feelings. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates no substantial difference in the outcome of online and in-person CBT treatments.