Negative Stimuli

Definition

Negative stimuli refer to unpleasant or aversive events, sensations, or conditions that an individual seeks to avoid or escape.

Related terms

Punishment:

Punishment is a type of consequence that decreases behavior by introducing an aversive stimulus following the behavior.

Escape Conditioning: Escape conditioning is a learning process where an individual learns to engage in a particular behavior in order to terminate or escape from an aversive situation.

Avoidance Conditioning: Avoidance conditioning is when someone learns to perform a specific behavior to prevent encountering the aversive stimulus altogether.