American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary theory associated with positive and negative reinforcement in behavior modification is operant conditioning, which was developed by B.F. Skinner. This theory focuses on the idea that behaviors can be modified by their consequences; that is, behaviors that are followed by favorable outcomes tend to be repeated, while those that are followed by unfavorable outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Positive reinforcement involves providing a reward following a desired behavior, which increases the likelihood of the behavior occurring again. Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus following a desired behavior, also increasing the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated. This fundamental principle of operant conditioning is critical in behavior modification strategies, where practitioners aim to increase desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable ones through the systematic application of reinforcement.

Other theories, such as classical conditioning by Pavlov, focus on the association between stimuli rather than the consequences of specific behaviors. Social learning theory by Bandura emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in learning, while behavioral therapy associated with Watson is more concerned with observable behavior and the environment's role in shaping that behavior, without specifically addressing the reinforcement principles that are central to operant conditioning.