Ben has decided to stop smoking, but each time he tries to quit he experiences withdrawal symptoms, which lead him right back to smoking. How might psychologists explain this phenomenon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement occurs when the removal of an unpleasant stimulus (in this case withdrawal symptoms) strengthens a behavior and increases the likelihood of it being repeated. Therefore, by smoking again, Ben is able to alleviate the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms he is experiencing, which reinforces the behavior of smoking.

Ben Has Decided to Stop Smoking, but Each Time He