What is aversion therapy?

Aversion therapy is specifically designed to diminish undesirable behaviors by introducing an unpleasant stimulus in conjunction with those behaviors. This approach is based on the principle of classical conditioning, where the individual learns to associate the negative experience with the behavior that is being targeted for change. By applying an aversive consequence, the intention is to discourage the repetition of that behavior in the future.

For instance, in a therapeutic context, if a person engages in a behavior such as smoking, an unpleasant sensation might be paired with smoking to create an aversion to it. This method aims to help the individual permanently alter their behavior by creating a strong disincentive.

Other options describe different behavioral strategies unrelated to the concept of aversion therapy. For example, using pleasant stimuli to increase behavior refers to positive reinforcement strategies, while reinforcing behavior involves enabling and rewarding positive actions rather than applying aversive measures. Finally, therapeutic bonding with a client is related to building trust and rapport and does not involve the application of aversive stimuli. Thus, the core concept of aversion therapy is best captured by the correct answer provided.