Punishment is a type of behavior modification technique based on behaviorism, specifically in operant conditioning, which is based on the fact that the conduct of a behavior and its frequency is influenced by the consequences of such behavior.

If a behavior results in the administration of some type of desired reinforcer or the avoidance or withdrawal of an aversive stimulus, the behavior will become more frequent, whereas if instead the consequence is the appearance of aversive stimulation or withdrawal of stimuli reinforcing behavior will tend to decrease.

In the case of punishment, we would be faced with a type of procedure through which it is intended to influence the frequency of a behavior to cause a decrease in it, or its complete elimination.

There are two types of punishment depending on whether they act by administering aversive stimuli or eliminating a positive stimulation: positive punishment and negative punishment respectively. In both cases the punishment must be applied contingently to the behavior to be reduced, so that it can be considered a consequence of the action.

The positive punishment is one in which an aversive stimulus is applied to the subject in the face of the performance of a certain behavior, making the stimulus a consequence of its performance, so that the individual decreases the frequency or stops performing the behavior in question.

Thus, the basic mechanism of positive punishment is to present an unpleasant stimulus every time the person does the unwanted behavior. It is recommended that stimulations be used consistently, so that the behavior always follows the consequence. Behavior modification occurs as a way for the subject to avoid or escape aversive stimulation.

Positive punishment is a procedure on which various techniques are based, such as the set of aversive therapies (electrical, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, auditory, chemical or covert), satiation as a mass practice in different addictive disorders, overcorrection or the facial screen.

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