Final answer:
Drug addiction is characterized by a compulsive engagement in rewarding behaviors despite negative consequences, and is related to dopamine release. It can be understood through operant conditioning, where reinforcement and punishment influence the likelihood of repeating a behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
A compulsion to engage in rewarding behaviors, despite negative consequences is called drug addiction. This condition involves the compulsive use of a substance such as a psychoactive drug despite the negative consequences that such use may entail. The underlying psychological principle is associated with dopamine release, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, addiction, movement, and motivation. In the context of learning theory, this can also be explained by operant conditioning, where behaviors are learned through the consequences of reinforcement or punishment.
Moreover, in operant conditioning, a behavior is followed by a consequence, which is either a reinforcer or a punisher. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior, whereas punishment decreases it. This is in line with the law of effect, which states that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are likely to be repeated, while those followed by unpleasant consequences are discouraged.