Positive Reinforcement vs Punishment: Which is More Effective?

Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but that doesn't go without saying that there won't be challenges along the way. As a parent, you have probably set reasonable household rules and expectations for your child to follow. You have probably also had your child disobey you a time or two. Well, you are not alone. You are also not alone in that you might be asking yourself, "should I be punishing my child or reinforcing good behaviors?"

According to B.F. Skinner's theory of operant conditioning principles, behavior can be shaped by finding meaningful consequences. 

This article will explore the role of positive reinforcement and punishment, the effectiveness of both, as well as different parenting styles. Keep reading to learn more!

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Positive Reinforcement or Punishment? 

 Two types of reinforcement can be implemented when modifying behavior, which includes negative or positive reinforcement. In addition, punishment can be useful and effective in changing a child's behavior, when used appropriately. 

Positive and Negative Reinforcement

According to APA, positive reinforcement is explained by presenting a positive reinforcer after a behavior or response. In other words, it is discipline that is positive and works to shape behavior by reinforcing the positive and encouraging prosocial behaviors in the future. 

Positive reinforcement encourages good behavior and appropriate social behaviors such as sharing, following directions, and engaging in unwanted tasks. It can also be used to prevent undesired behavior such as hitting, kicking, and yelling.

Positive reinforcement involves catching your child doing "good" and rewarding those behaviors. This will help shape your child's behavior and motivate them to continue doing "good."

Common examples of positive reinforcement for a desired behavior includes, cheering and clapping, giving high fives, giving a hug, rewarding your child with a special or fun activity, and giving praise. 

People confuse negative reinforcement for punishment, when they differ immensely. Negative reinforcement is a behavior modification technique that involves removing something from the situation in order to encourage good behavior.

For instance, negative reinforcement might entail taking away the child's markers when they draw on the furniture. The act of removing something from the environment to reinforce desired behaviors or particular behavior is considered negative reinforcement.

What is Punishment?

Punishment is using an undesirable situation to discourage someone from engaging in an unwanted or undesirable behavior. Punishment involves two types: positive and negative punishment. 

Positive Punishment

Positive punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus to decrease undesirable behavior. 

For instance, this can include physical punishment such as spanking a child after they refuse to clean their room. The aversive or undesirable stimulus that was added includes the spanking and the unwanted behavior is the child's refusal to clean their room.

Negative Punishment

Negative punishment, on the other hand, includes taking something away in order to achieve a target behavior or decrease a behavior. 

For example, if a child begins to exhibit disruptive behaviors such as hitting their sister because they are upset, a negative punishment would involve putting the child in timeout due to engaging in a behavior that is not wanted (e.g. hitting). This is done in hopes of discouraging the behavior of hitting their sister. 

When to Use 

Reinforcement, positive or negative, should be utilized to increase only the target behavior or the behavior you want to see. 

Punishment should be used when you want to decrease a behavior that is unwanted or inappropriate. With both reinforcement and punishment, they will only be effective if they are used appropriately and consistently. 

Efficacy: Which Is Better? Positive Reinforcement or Punishment? 

Parenting experts favor reinforcement for shaping behavior. In addition, according to research, positive reinforcement is known to work better and faster than punishment. It is also known to accomplish behavior change. Punishment can be effective in stopping a behavior, but with reinforcement, you are ultimately changing behavior. 

This could be due to a child learning what is expected from engaging in certain behaviors. For instance, if your child remembers engaging in a certain behavior elicits a positive response from adults then they are more likely to continue taking part in this desired behavior in the future. 

However, that does not go to say that punishment is ineffective. If you are only utilizing reinforcement or solely punishment for teaching your child that they are engaging in behaviors that are not appropriate, you may notice that using just one technique will not be effective over time. 

Psychologists consider a combination of both positive reinforcement and negative punishment to be the most effective for the desired outcomes.

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Are you tired of constantly nagging your child to clean their room? Are you tired of punishing them for not putting their toys away? Joon takes the pressure and nagging away from parents by reminding children to complete to-dos, all while playing a fun game! 

Parents can assign tasks as "quests," and Joon will do the rest. Your child will choose a virtual pet to feed, wash, and grow by completing the tasks assigned to them. 

Joon can help reinforce positive behaviors as 90% of children who utilize Joon finish ALL of the tasks that parents assign. Try Joon today for free.

Parenting Styles

Parenting styles are an important aspect of molding your child's self esteem, physical and mental health, and how they relate to others. The way in which you choose to discipline your child will ultimately have an affect on them well into adulthood. 

Researchers have recognized four parenting styles which include:

• Authoritarian: This parenting style focuses mainly on obedience, as well as rules and consequences. These parents generally have little interest in negotiating and believe that children should follow the rules of an adult or parent, without any exceptions. These parents tend to use punishment often.
• Authoritative: These parents have rules and guidelines, but also consider their children's opinions when making decisions. They also validate children's feelings, but make it known that the adults are in charge. This parenting style regularly uses positive reinforcement to shape behavior. 
• Permissive: The permissive parenting style involves having rules in place but rarely implementing them. These parents typically take on the role of a friend and do not spend much time discouraging unwanted behaviors. 
• Uninvolved: This parenting style involves few rules and generally uninvolved parents. They tend to have little knowledge on a child's needs and do not devote much time to obedience or nurturing a child's development.

While there are a variety of parenting styles, research has shown that authoritative parenting is the best parenting style for maintaining a positive relationship with your child and helping them become responsible and successful adults.

Every Child is Different

As you navigate the uncertainties and tribulations of parenting, it is important to remember that every child is unique. 

Parenting is not a "one size fits all" and it will take many trials and errors to figure out the best approach and strategies for helping your child grow into a happy and healthy adult. It is best to select strategies that work best for you and your family, as well as maintaining consistency as you utilize these reinforcement strategies. 

The strategy you select, whether it be positive reinforcement or negative punishment should be used in part to meet your child's temperament and personality. With that said, some children will respond differently to a particular strategy while another child will not respond at all. 

Takeaway 

As a parent, you can implement a variety of approaches and strategies to correct inappropriate behaviors and encourage positive ones. This can include utilizing positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment, or a combination of these. 

Researchers all tend to agree that positive reinforcement is the most effective strategy for encouraging more acceptable behaviors. When you make a consistent effort to begin noticing the good that your child is doing, the whole family will reap the rewards.