Aversive Events
Definition
Aversive events are unpleasant, undesirable experiences or stimuli that an individual seeks to avoid or escape from.
Analogy
Think of aversive events like a hot stove. If you touch it once and get burned, you'll want to avoid touching it again in the future.
Related terms
Unconditioned Stimulus: This is a stimulus that naturally triggers a response without any learning needed. For example, the pain from touching a hot stove is an unconditioned stimulus.
Negative Reinforcement: This involves removing an aversive event or stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior happening again. For instance, turning off an annoying alarm clock (removing the aversive event) when you wake up on time (desired behavior).
Punishment: This refers to adding an aversive event or taking away something desirable after a behavior occurs with the aim of decreasing that behavior. For example, getting grounded (adding an aversive event) for coming home past curfew (behavior).
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