What kind of response is indicated by behavior that is strengthened through negative reinforcement?

When behavior is strengthened through negative reinforcement, it indicates an increased response. Negative reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus, which in turn makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future. For instance, if a person takes medication that alleviates pain, the removal of the pain reinforces the behavior of taking the medication, leading to an increased likelihood of this behavior being repeated whenever pain arises.

This concept is rooted in operant conditioning, where behaviors are modified through consequences. In this case, the removal of the aversive stimulus serves as a motivator for the individual to engage in the behavior again, thus demonstrating an increase in the frequency or strength of that response. Understanding this principle is crucial in various therapeutic settings, especially in psychology and behavioral modification strategies.