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

October 31st 2024

nail biting

the compulsive habit of chewing on one’s fingernails, usually thought to be a means of releasing tension.