A process in which a behavior is strengthened by the consequences that follow it is called what?

A process in which a behavior is strengthened by the consequences that follow it is called what?

• A. Reinforcement
• B. Relapse
• C. Recovery residence
• D. Prevention paradox

Answer: (A)

Reinforcement is a process in which the consequences that follow a behavior make that behavior more likely to occur again. In operant conditioning, reinforcement strengthens a response. It can be positive, adding a pleasant outcome after the behavior (for example, earning a token or praise for abstaining), or negative, removing an unpleasant condition after the behavior (such as relief from withdrawal symptoms once a treatment goal is met). In substance use disorder treatment, reinforcement is used in approaches like contingency management, where rewards are given for proving abstinence or engaging in treatment activities, thereby increasing the likelihood that abstinent behaviors will be repeated. Relapse refers to resuming use after a period of abstinence, a recovery residence is a housing option for people in recovery, and the prevention paradox describes a public health concept about risk distribution—none of these describe the process of strengthening a behavior through its consequences.

Reinforcement is a process in which the consequences that follow a behavior make that behavior more likely to occur again. In operant conditioning, reinforcement strengthens a response. It can be positive, adding a pleasant outcome after the behavior (for example, earning a token or praise for abstaining), or negative, removing an unpleasant condition after the behavior (such as relief from withdrawal symptoms once a treatment goal is met). In substance use disorder treatment, reinforcement is used in approaches like contingency management, where rewards are given for proving abstinence or engaging in treatment activities, thereby increasing the likelihood that abstinent behaviors will be repeated. Relapse refers to resuming use after a period of abstinence, a recovery residence is a housing option for people in recovery, and the prevention paradox describes a public health concept about risk distribution—none of these describe the process of strengthening a behavior through its consequences.