Dr. Ingela Thuné-Boyle
Health Psychologist
Online Practice

Intermittent reinforcement is an unpredictable and inconsistent pattern of rewards or responses (i.e. a pattern where affection, approval, or connection is unpredictably given and withdrawn). It has profound psychological and physiological consequences, particularly when experienced in close relationships. Common in emotionally abusive, manipulative, or unstable environments, this behavioural pattern keeps individuals locked in cycles of confusion, self-doubt, and emotional d