How Positive Reinforcement can Change Behaviors
This week's blog post will focus on how to use Positive Reinforcement for behavior changes.
PSYCHOLOGY
Maya
7/16/20265 min read
Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcing Positive Behaviors
Have you ever wondered how behaviors are cultivated and reinforced? Or had an unwanted behavior that you wanted to change but were unable to do so? In this blog post, we will focus on ways to reinforce a desired behavior.
What is behaviorism?
Behaviorism is a psychological framework that focuses on reinforcing observable behaviors through consequences, rewards, and punishments. In this blog, we will focus on one concept from this psychological framework: positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is a concept formed from the framework of operant conditioning. Operant conditioning was created by Psychologist B.F. Skinner has two concepts for reinforcing a behavior: the first is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement occurs when adding something positive, such as a reward, to increase the likelihood that the behavior will recur. The second is Negative reinforcement, which is the act of removing an adverse stimulus to reinforce and strengthen a behavior. A few examples of negative reinforcement include taking Tylenol for a headache or putting on your seatbelt to stop the obnoxious sound that alerts you when you do not have it on.
Positive Reinforcement for New Behaviors
Have you ever tried to learn a new skill or pick up a new behavior, only to not get the result you were hoping for? You may have noticed that you struggled with consistency, felt discouraged, and maybe even punished yourself for not sticking to the new behavior. However, most often research shows that punishing yourself does more harm than good. It leaves you feeling discouraged; you may have felt shame, guilt, or embarrassment, leaving no space to learn a new skill or change an old behavior. But there is a strategy that allows you to bring in reinforcements. This concept is called positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a concept from operant conditioning that uses a stimulus to reinforce a behavior. Very often, we find that many parenting strategies use positive reinforcement to promote positive behaviors in their children. We also see it implemented in the workforce, as employers use positive reinforcement to increase employee satisfaction. Lastly, we see that positive reinforcement can also show up within our own relationships.
How to Use Positive Reinforcement:
For the best results, positive reinforcement should be used after a desirable behavior occurs. For example, if you are potty training your child and they use the potty, you would want to give them a reward, whether that’s a treat, praise, or a new toy. When a child is given a desirable reward, research shows an increase in motivation to repeat that behavior. It is important to note that consistent reinforcement of the desirable behavior is needed for it to persist.
Types of Reinforcements
Social Reinforcements: types include praise, encouragement, clapping, and attention. Social reinforcement is common to reinforce behaviors at home and at school.
Tangible Reinforcements: types include a raise or a promotion at work for adults. For children, reinforcement can include gaining a new toy, a new game, or an allowance.
Token System: a chart-based system in which an individual can collect tokens or stickers that can be exchanged for something of value. Usually, there’s a set amount that the individual must collect in order to receive the reward. This will help condition the new behavior by providing the individual with the motivation and consistency to collect the set number of tokens to receive a reward.
Natural Reinforcements: These reinforcers are natural consequences of a particular behavior. An example of natural reinforcement is an individual who decides to practice deep breathing in their daily life; as a result, they feel more relaxed throughout the day and are better able to manage their emotions.
Positive Reinforcement in Parenting
We often see parenting strategies centered on positive reinforcement, such as reward charts or even catching your child doing well to praise more desirable behaviors. Ultimately, the positive attention to your child will reinforce their behavior. See, rewards don’t necessarily have to be tangible things. Attention and praise can be considered another “reward” that effectively reinforces a behavior. However, it is important to recognize that attention can also reinforce unwanted behaviors based on your typical reaction to the child and the relationship dynamics between you and your child. An example of how parents may unintentionally reinforce unwanted behavior is purchasing a toy for a child in a store after the child throws a tantrum. The toy reinforces the unwanted behavior and teaches the child that there is a reward for having a tantrum. Ultimately, parents will notice an increase in tantrums.
Positive Reinforcement in the Workplace
Workplace Positive Reinforcement can show in the workplace as well. Today, many companies adapt to meet the needs of their workers and provide incentives; as a result, bonus programs, monthly recognition, and company outings can positively influence job satisfaction, cohesiveness, and willingness to stay with the company. Research shows that internal and external motivation have different effects on employee performance. Research shows that external (extrinsic) motivation can increase burnout and decrease work performance (Kuvaas et al., 2017). However, Internal motivation (Intrinsic motivation), such as Satisfaction in completing work tasks, enjoyment at work, increased competency, and doing the job effectively, is considered an intrinsic reward. Ultimately, research shows that these types of rewards are positively correlated with increased work performance and decreased burnout(Kuvaas et al., 2017). To avoid burnout and increase employees’ motivation, it is suggested that companies allow employees to set realistic, achievable goals (short- and long-term) for self-development and to gather employee input on company matters (Manzoor et al., 2021).
Positive Reinforcement in Relationships
Positive reinforcement can show up in your own interactions with friends and family. As we discussed above, parents reinforce their child’s behavior through positive reinforcement. However, did you know that positive reinforcement can be applied in your professional, personal, and romantic relationships? Shifting your focus from what an individual is flawed in or lacks to acknowledging what they are doing well will increase the motivation to maintain the behavior. If you are looking to improve or enhance your relationships, positive reinforcement can be beneficial. When an individual provides positive feedback, it activates the brain’s “reward” system and releases the feel-good hormone known as dopamine (Cohen 2025). As a result of the release of dopamine, that particular individual would experience an increase in motivation to activate the brain’s “reward” system. Therefore, it likely increases the likelihood that the behavior will recur.
Questions to Ponder Until Next Time
How would you like to implement positive reinforcement in your own relationships?
Do you prefer to be intrinsically (internally) or extrinsically (externally) motivated? Which gives you the better result in increasing desired behavior?
Sources
Kuvaas B., Buch R., Weibel A., Dysvik A., Nerstad C. G. (2017). Do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation relate differently to employee outcomes? J. Econ. Psychol. 61, 244–258. 10.1016/j.joep.2017.05.004
Manzoor, F., Wei, L., & Asif, M. (2021). Intrinsic Rewards and Employee’s Performance with the Mediating Mechanism of Employee’s Motivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(12). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.563070
Harry Cohen Ph.D. (2025, December 2). Sometimes the best feedback is about what’s working, whether at home or office. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/be-the-sun-not-the-salt/202511/do-more-of-that-the-trick-for-better-relationships?msockid=07a4abcf7c5a6af21e24bf267ddb6b82
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website, including all thoughts, strategies, and faith-based perspectives, is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed therapist, or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
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