What is the term for adding a positive consequence to increase the frequency of a desired behavior?

The term for adding a positive consequence to increase the frequency of a desired behavior is positive reinforcement. This concept in behavior change emphasizes the idea that when a favorable outcome or reward follows a specific behavior, that behavior is more likely to be repeated in the future. For example, if a client who is trying to exercise regularly receives praise or a tangible reward after completing their workouts, they are more likely to continue exercising to receive that same positive feedback.

Positive reinforcement is a key strategy in behavior change as it promotes motivation and sustained engagement in healthy behaviors, making it more effective for long-term adherence compared to other methods. In contrast, methods such as punishment or negative reinforcement focus on reducing undesirable behaviors or introducing unpleasant consequences, which may not foster the same level of intrinsic motivation or positive association needed for lasting change.