What is the goal of positive punishment in behavior modification?

The goal of positive punishment in behavior modification is to decrease undesirable behavior. Positive punishment involves introducing an uncomfortable stimulus after an unwanted behavior occurs, which aims to reduce the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. This could entail applying a consequence that the individual finds aversive, thereby creating a negative association with the behavior in question.

For example, if a student talks during a lesson and is given extra work as a result, the intent is for the discomfort of additional work to discourage talking during lessons in the future. This distinguishes it clearly from methods aimed at increasing desirable behavior or providing incentives, which focus on reinforcing positive actions rather than applying aversive consequences.