National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

What is the impact of negative punishment in behavioral therapy?

1. Adding a stimulus that encourages behavior

2. Removing a stimulus that decreases a behavior

3. Adding a stimulus that decreases a behavior

4. Increasing a behavior through reward

The correct answer is: Removing a stimulus that decreases a behavior

Negative punishment involves the removal of a desired stimulus or privilege in order to decrease a particular behavior. In the context of behavioral therapy, when an individual engages in an undesired behavior, a therapist may implement negative punishment by taking away something valued or enjoyable to reduce the likelihood of the behavior recurring in the future. For instance, if a child misbehaves at school, and as a consequence, they lose access to recess, the removal of this enjoyable activity serves to decrease misbehavior. This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them. The effective application of negative punishment can lead to behavioral change, as individuals learn that certain actions result in the loss of something they appreciate, thereby motivating them to modify their conduct to avoid such outcomes. It is essential for therapists to understand this mechanism to facilitate progress in clients who may struggle with specific behaviors.