B. F. Skinner and the use of aversive control: a conceptual study

Authors

  • Tatiana Evandro Monteiro Martins UFPA
  • Marcus Bentes de Carvalho Neto UFPA
  • Paulo Cesar Morales Mayer UFPA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v15i2.599

Keywords:

aversive control, Skinner, applied area, aversive stimulus, punishment

Abstract

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) is frequently cited as having a contrary position on the use of aversive control. However, in certain passages Skinner presents a more flexible opinion about the use of this type of behavioral control. The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyze the passages where Skinner prescribes or warns about such use. A conceptual study was conducted involving eight Skinner works (Skinner 1938/1991, 1948/1975, 1953/1989, 1968/1972, 1969/1980, 1971, 1974/2006, 1989), analyzed according to the following categories: 1) the definition of aversive control and concepts involved; 2) the negative aspects of aversive control and prohibitions; and 3) the positive aspects of aversive control and its recommendations. It wasn’t possible to find a specific definition of aversive control and it was observed that at certain moments Skinner justifies the use of aversive control, but does not prescribe it in general

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Published

2013-08-20

How to Cite

Martins, T. E. M., Neto, M. B. de C., & Mayer, P. C. M. (2013). B. F. Skinner and the use of aversive control: a conceptual study. Brazilian Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, 15(2), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v15i2.599

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Section

Articles