{"id":27078,"date":"2023-06-16T21:12:51","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T21:12:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/?p=27078"},"modified":"2024-05-26T20:34:22","modified_gmt":"2024-05-26T20:34:22","slug":"positive-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/positive-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Positive Consequences (Psychology): 10 Examples & Definition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"positive<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Positive consequences are the rewarding results of a behavior deemed desirable.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When an individual\u2019s behavior is followed by a positive consequence, then the person is more likely to exhibit that behavior again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this is the opposite of negative consequences, in which the result of a specific behavior is unpleasant or aversive. Behavior that is followed by negative consequences are less likely to occur again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of positive consequences include a high-five from a teacher, a performance-based bonus, and a gold star for doing well on a test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Positive Consequences Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the first psychologists to discuss how positive and negative consequences impact behavior was Edward Thorndike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thorndike stated that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cResponses that produce a satisfying effect in a particular situation become more likely to occur again in that situation, and responses that produce a discomforting effect become less likely to occur again in that situation\u201d (Gray, 2007, p. 106).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This is referred to as Thorndike\u2019s Law of Effect (1898;1905).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive consequences are also discussed sometimes in the context of unexpected positive outcomes related to negative situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, there can be positive consequences to interpersonal conflict, competition, and aversive life events such as being diagnosed with a severe illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, in psychology, positive consequences are central to the operant conditioning concept in behaviorism, where it is believed associating a positive consequence with a behavior, the behavior will more likely be repeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type of Consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Consequences, both positive and negative, come in many forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Natural Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are consequences that occur without any intervention by an authority figure such as a parent or teacher. For example, doing well on an exam is a natural consequence of studying. An example of natural consequences<\/a> is falling and becoming injured when you lean back in your chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Logical Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are consequences that are directly tied to behavior. They are defined by an individual, usually in a position of authority. The rules of the consequence are reasonable, respectful, and related to the individual\u2019s actions. An example of a logical consequence<\/a> is when a parent makes a child fix something if they broke it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Symbolic Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are stimuli that have no inherent meaning, but are used to reward behavior. They have symbolic meaning. Gold stars are often used by teachers to reward students. Plastic chips can be used as tokens in a psychiatric hospital for good behavior and exchanged later for desired objects or privileges. They can also be taken away for misbehavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Social Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are consequences that are delivered directly by others. Teachers, parents, and supervisors deliver positive social consequences in the form of verbal praise. Being scolded for bad behavior is an example of a negative social consequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Tangible Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are desirable objects that are used to reward specific behaviors, For example, a teacher may give a child a treat or toy when the child is well-behaved or does what is asked. Employers give employees a salary for doing their job. Or, employees can be fined for breaking company rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Activity Related Consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Teachers often apply consequences that are connected to activities, such as time allotted to playing on the playground or free-time in the classroom. These can be positive or negative, such as allowing more time for play or taking free-play time away until students have completed their assignment or cleaned-up the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Also: Classroom Consequences Examples<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive Consequences vs. Positive Discipline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While positive consequences refer to rewarding specific behaviors, positive discipline is a much broader philosophical orientation on how to raise children (Nelsen, 1996; 2011). It is practiced by both parents and teachers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive discipline incorporates delivering positive consequences to reward desirable behavior, but also adds several other elements as part of a child-rearing or overall classroom management<\/a> strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That strategy can involve applying negative consequences when a child has misbehaved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of positive discipline is to help children develop and reach their unique potential by creating a caring and respectful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents and teachers that practice positive discipline clearly communicate what are desired and undesired behaviors, and what the positive and negative consequences are for each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But these rules and contingencies are explained using a respectful and considerate tone. That is a core component of positive discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By letting children know they are valued and respected, especially when disciplined, they will understand that when negative consequences are applied, it is done so because the goal is to help the child, not just punish them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Positive Consequences Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n