frustrative nonreward hypothesis

the proposition that withholding previously given reinforcement of responses during operant or instrumental conditioning leads to an internal state of frustration, which sometimes paradoxically motivates the subject (the frustration effect), at least for a while. [proposed by Abraham Amsel (1922–2006), U.S. behavioral psychologist]

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Psychology term of the day

November 28th 2024

indirect method of therapy

a method of conducting therapy, particularly exemplified by client-centered therapy, in which the therapist does not attempt to direct the client’s communication or evaluate the client’s remarks, although he or she may refer back to the client’s remarks or restate them (see restatement).