What is the purpose of aversion therapy?

Aversion therapy is a psychological treatment method primarily designed to change undesirable behaviors. It involves associating an unwanted behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, thereby creating a negative reaction to that behavior. For example, if a person is trying to quit smoking, they might be exposed to something unpleasant each time they engage in smoking to help discourage that behavior.

The goal is to decrease the frequency of the behavior by creating a strong aversive reaction to it. This technique is often used in treating conditions such as substance abuse disorders, where the aim is to reduce cravings or the habitual desire for the substance by instilling a sense of discomfort when thinking about or engaging in its use.

Other options like promoting relaxation, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering social skills are not the main focus of aversion therapy. Instead, they relate to different therapeutic techniques aimed at addressing various aspects of mental health and behavior.