The term that describes a situation in which reinforcement for a short-term maladaptive behavior is pitted against the promise of long-term reinforcement for good behavior is delay discounting.
The term that describes a situation in which reinforcement for a short-term maladaptive behavior is pitted against the promise of long-term reinforcement for good behavior is called delay discounting.
Delay discounting refers to the tendency of individuals to devalue or discount delayed rewards in favor of immediate rewards. It involves choosing between a smaller, immediate reward and a larger, delayed reward. People who engage in delay discounting prioritize immediate gratification over long-term benefits, even when the long-term benefits are greater.
For example, suppose a student has the choice between spending his time studying for an upcoming exam or hanging out with friends and watching a movie. If he chooses to watch the movie, he will receive immediate enjoyment and relaxation, but he may not perform well on the exam in the long run, which could lead to lower grades and future consequences.