book 3 - learning theories of nicotine addiction Flashcards
according to learning theories what is responsible for the initiation of a nicotine addiction
social learning theory
how does social learning theory explain the initiation of a nicotine addiction
observe others smoking, most notably the observation of role models, we go through mediational processes (attention, retention, motivation and reproduction) - then we imitate - especially if we watch the person being rewarded for it e.g. feeling relaxed
- can be parents, friends or something seen in media
according to learning theory what is responsible for the maintenance of a nicotine addiction
operant conditioning
how is operant learning theory responsible for the maintenance of a nicotine addiction
- the pleasurable feeling gained from increased dopamine released in the mesolimbic system down the reward pathway following nicotine consumption acts as positive reinforcement = motivates them to keep smoking
- the cessation of nicotine leads to unpleasant withdrawal effects so the avoidance of these feelings acts as a negative reinforcement
according to learning theories what is responsible for the relapse of a nicotine addiction
classical conditioning and cue reactivity theory
how does classical conditioning and cue reacitivity theory explain the relapse of a nicotine addiction
it suggests that addicts trying to quit may start to associate secondary reinforcers such as lighters, alcohol etc with the primary reinforcer of dopamine release - these cues become conditioned stimuli to the positive feelings that nicotine gives making quitting smoking difficult and leading them to relapse.
evaluating learning theory in explaining a nicotine addiction - NIDA research and counter point
NIDA (2005) - found that 90% of US smokers started smoking in their teens and reported this was mainly due to observing and imitating peers - this supports learing theory of nicotine addiction as it shows how SLT is the main cause of imitation
Counterpoint=
* cant generalise/ reported themselves so may displace responsibility/ retrospective data
evaluating learning theory in explaining a nicotine addiction - Brynner research and counterpoint
Brynner 1969 - found that media images of smoking creater perceptions of it being attractive and tough and increases the motivation to smoke - this supports learning theory of nicotine addiction as it shows how observing others makes people more likely to imitate
Counterpoint=
* outdated
evaluating learning theory in explaining a nicotine addiction - Carter and Tiffany research
Carter and Tiffany 1999 conducted a meta-analysis of 41 studies into cue reactivity in dependant and non-dependant smokers - participants were presented with images related to smoking e.g. lighters - p’s reported their cravings whilst physiological measures such as heart rate were taken - dependant smokers responded the most strongly to the cues and reported greater cravings and showed increased physical arousal = showing that classical conditioning can be an explanation for relapse
