How effective is punishment?
In an article from Verywell Mind called Punishment in Psychology, the main focus was how punishment is used to reduce unwanted behavior by either adding something unpleasant (like a scolding) or taking something away (like taking a phone). This can definitely work in the short term, especially if it's done right after the behavior and used consistently. But the article also points out that punishment by itself doesn't usually teach what should be done instead—it just stops the behavior in that moment. Without a clear alternative or some kind of guidance, that same behavior can come back later on once the punishment ends.
When you think about how this plays out in everyday situations, it really makes you rethink how often punishment gets used. Whether it's a teacher taking away recess or a parent grounding their kid, the article explains that overusing punishment can lead to bigger problems—like resentment, fear, or even more misbehavior. It can also damage relationships over time. That’s why a more balanced approach tends to work better: using punishment sparingly and combining it with positive reinforcement. That way, people aren’t just told what not to do—they’re shown what to do instead, which creates a much healthier environment for learning and change.
Source:
Verywell Mind. (2011, July 8). Punishment in psychology. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-punishment-2795413
Great post! I really like how you pointed out that punishment alone doesn’t teach what to do instead. That’s such a common issue, people stop the behavior temporarily, but it often comes back. Pairing punishment with positive reinforcement is a much better approach, and it helps build a more supportive environment. You explained it clearly and made the psychology behind it easy to understand!
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