Self-punitive Behavior in the Rat: Facilitative Effects of Punishment on Resistance to Extinction.

In 2 experiments rats were trained to escape from an electrified start box and runway into a safe goal box. During subsequent "extinction" trials the start box was made safe for all Ss, but some groups could not reach the safe goal box without enduring shock in part or all of the alley. Ss shocked in this way in the 1st study failed to stop running sooner than those given no shock, and in the 2nd study, shocked Ss resisted extinction significantly longer than nonpunished Ss. Fewer escape training trials, weaker shock, and more gradual transition from escape training to extinction characterized the 2nd study relative to the 1st. Various theories capable of explaining this masochistic-like behavior are examined.