Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025

A Procedure to Study Stress-Induced Relapse of Heroin Seeking after Punishment-Imposed Abstinence
Published on: March 23, 2022
Translational research in punishment learning
Philip Jean-Richard-Dit-Bressel1, Kelly Gaetani1, Lilith Zeng1
1School of Psychology, University of New South Wales Sydney.
Abstract:
Punishment learning is learning of the causal relationship between responses and their adverse or undesirable consequences. Here, we review our translational approach for understanding whether, when, and how individuals differ in what they learn during punishment, and how these differences in learning may drive persistent poor or maladaptive decisions. We show that individual differences in punishment insensitivity can emerge from differences between individuals in what they learn about punishment (instrumental contingency knowledge), rather than differences in aversive valuation, reward valuation, general (impulsivity), or specific (habit) behavioral control. These differences in instrumental contingency knowledge are shared with and can be studied in other animals. Our approach has strong construct and predictive validity, providing a robust translational platform for studying how punishment learning and decision making may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Related Concept Videos
Law of Effect
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle...
Punishment
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior....
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant...

