---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: that aversives stop behavior, they don’t…"
description: "\"“that aversives stop behavior, they don’t start it; and”\" — Karen Pryor"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/karen-pryor-39019_behavior_that-aversives-stop-behavior-they-don-t_2638312.jpg"
---

#  that aversives stop behavior, they don’t start it; and

![“that aversives stop behavior, they don’t start it; and” quote by Karen Pryor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/karen-pryor-39019_behavior_that-aversives-stop-behavior-they-don-t_2638312.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/karen-pryor-39019_behavior_that-aversives-stop-behavior-they-don-t_2638312.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e4d/karen-pryor-39019_behavior_that-aversives-stop-behavior-they-don-t_2638312.jpg)

> ““that aversives stop behavior, they don’t start it; and””

[Karen Pryor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-pryor/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Aversive stimuli can suppress actions but cannot initiate new behaviors; motivation must come from positive reinforcement.

**In simple terms:** Punishment stops, doesn’t start behavior.

Key Takeaway

Use rewards to create new actions.

Themes

behavior change motivation reinforcement

Mood

reflective practical

Type

instructional psychological

When to use this quote

- training dogs
- teaching children
- habit formation
- workplace incentives

Key Concepts

Operant conditioning behavioral psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you replace punishment with encouragement?
- What positive outcomes can you reward?

A Different Perspective

Relying solely on punishment may breed fear and resistance.

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