Unwanted Behavior

Definition

Unwanted behavior refers to any action or response that an individual engages in that is undesirable or considered inappropriate within a given context.

Related terms

Positive Punishment:

Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of the unwanted behavior occurring again, like giving your sibling extra chores for barging into your room.

Negative Punishment:

Removing a desired stimulus following the undesired behavior, such as taking away their favorite toy for interrupting your study time.

Extinction:

The process of gradually eliminating unwanted behavior by no longer reinforcing it, like pretending not to notice when your sibling interrupts you until they stop doing it.