What is the method of reducing maladaptive behavior by removing a positive stimulus called?

The method of reducing maladaptive behavior by removing a positive stimulus is known as negative punishment. This process involves taking away a stimulus that is valued by the individual, which consequently decreases the likelihood of the unwanted behavior reoccurring. For instance, if a child misbehaves and, as a consequence, loses access to a favorite toy, that removal (a positive stimulus) leads to a decrease in the maladaptive behavior over time.

Negative punishment is effective because it utilizes the principle of operant conditioning, where behaviors are influenced by their consequences. When the reinforcement associated with a certain behavior is eliminated, the behavior is less likely to be repeated, thereby achieving the goal of behavior modification.

The other options do not correctly describe this specific method. Positive reinforcement involves adding a positive stimulus to encourage a behavior, aversion therapy focuses on associating negative stimuli with unwanted behaviors rather than removing positive ones, and withdrawal suggests a general action of removing something but lacks the specific behavioral focus inherent in negative punishment.