Bestärkendes

Bestärkendes is the participle adjective form of the German verb bestärken, meaning to reinforce, strengthen or encourage. In psychology, education and therapy, it is used to describe stimuli, feedback or actions that increase the likelihood of a target behavior by providing reinforcement. The term appears in phrases such as bestärkendes Feedback (reinforcing feedback), bestärkendes Verhalten (reinforcing behavior) or bestärkende Reize (reinforcing stimuli). It aligns with the concept of reinforcement in operant conditioning and is related to broader ideas of support or encouragement, though it emphasizes the reinforcing quality rather than punishment.

Usage and nuances: Bestärkendes feedback can be positive, such as praise or rewards, or social, such as approval or acknowledgment. Effective reinforcement typically requires timely and contingent application: the reinforcement should follow the target behavior and be perceived as valuable by the individual. The term highlights the qualitative aspect of reinforcement as encouragement or support rather than coercion.

In German-language academic and professional discourse, Bestärkung is the more common noun for the process of reinforcement, while bestärkendes serves as a modifying adjective. The concept is used across fields such as education, clinical psychology, coaching and organizational development to promote learning, skill development and adaptive behaviors.