Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Aversive Conditioning

DEFINITION:
A system for creating behavioral change that involves giving undesired stimulation in response to an undesired behavior, such as giving an electric shock every time a person inhales on a cigarette in the hopes that the pain (shock) and behavior (smoking) will become associated leading to ceasing of the behavior in order to prevent the pain. Many consider this to be ineffective and unnecessary.