ABSTRACT
So far we have provided examples for how environments characterized by losses of positive reinforcement can lead to depression, and how environments characterized by excessive negative reinforcement can lead to depression. These two processes may be primary pathways to depression, but they are not the only pathways. Here we consider the role of punishment. Like losses of positive reinforcement, punishment also reduces operant behavior and produces respondent behavior. Punishment results in a decrease in the behavior being punished, and receiving punishment also feels bad.
