What characterizes "negative reinforcement" in behavioral psychology?

Negative reinforcement in behavioral psychology is characterized by the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, which subsequently increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This process focuses on reinforcing a behavior by eliminating negative consequences associated with that behavior. For example, if a student studies hard to avoid the anxiety of failing, the act of studying is reinforced because it removes the unpleasant feeling of fear or anxiety.

It is essential to note that negative reinforcement is not the same as punishment; it does not aim to reduce or eliminate behaviors through adverse stimuli but rather encourages behaviors by removing obstacles or discomforts. Understanding this distinction is crucial in behavioral psychology as it informs how certain behaviors can be encouraged or discouraged through various reinforcement strategies.