Abstract
Under appropriate conditions punishment, or response contingent aversive stimulation (RCAS), is a very effective means of controlling positively motivated behavior disorders. The conditions necessary for lasting behavioral suppression include the use of ( a ) aversive stimuli of high intensity, and ( b ) reinforcement schedules containing a high degree of uncertainty. In cases where behavior is considered undesirable only if engaged in excessively, RCAS procedures may be used to bring the behavior under the control of contextual stimuli. For example, it is possible to bring the consumption of alcohol under control of blood alcohol level by punishing drinking which occurs when the subject is at or above a chosen blood alcohol level, and allowing drinking to occur with impunity at lower blood alcohol levels. Results achieved by the use of such a procedure are discussed. It is suggested that when an intense aversive stimulus is used, the punished behavior is not merely held in abeyance, but the motivation to perform the behavior is reduced.
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