Therefore, any action by you that enables you to escape pain or discomfort is reinforced by the relief you experience. This is a very important concept. You can't understand human behavior and emotions without this notion. Chapter 4 gives several examples of negative reinforcement.
People have difficulty grasping the idea.
Then, suppose you get mad and scream angrily at the child, and the child immediately becomes quiet and compliant. This child getting quiet has had the same effect on your behavior as if the child had given you a delicious candy bar for getting mad and yelling. Yet, when we are in the actual circumstances, we see the situations very differently. We must become more aware. And, suppose he now starts cleaning his room every week.