Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
aversive-conditioning
noun
/əˈvɜrsɪv kənˈdɪʃənɪŋ/
Definition
A psychological technique used to help individuals avoid certain behaviors by associating them with negative consequences.
Examples
- The therapist used aversive conditioning to help the patient stop smoking by associating smoking with nausea.
- Aversive conditioning can be controversial because it may cause anxiety or fear.
Meaning
Aversive conditioning involves pairing an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant experience, making the individual less likely to engage in that behavior in the future.
Synonyms
- negative reinforcement
- punishment
- behavior modification
