explanation for nicotine: learning theory Flashcards
what is One explanation for nicotine addiction
operant conditioning - positive reinforcement.
what is an example of a positive reinforcer.
nicotine: because it stimulates the release of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway, part of the dopamine reward system.
how is nicotine linked to positive reinforcement
creates feelings of mild euphoria, which the smoker finds rewarding and which positively reinforces the smoking behaviour.
how is addiction maintained through negative reinforcement.
nicotine use can lead to an acute withdrawal syndrome
addiction is maintained because smoking another cigarette is negatively reinforcing – it stops the unpleasant stimulus
example of withdrawal symptoms
disturbed sleep, agitation, poor concentration and mood disturbances.
define cue reactivity
the way in which people experience a greater craving and a physiological reaction, such as an increased heart rate, when exposed to objects and environments associated with their addiction.
Examples of such cues include the social situations in which they have smoked previously.
what is cue reactivity involved with
classical conditioning
pleasurable effect of smoking: primary reinforcer.
smoking is intrinsically rewarding
why is smoking is intrinsically rewarding
It doesn’t have to be learned because of the biologically-determined effects of nicotine on the dopamine reward system
pleasure reinforces behaviour so an individual is more likely to smoke again.
what happenes to other stimuli
become associated with the pleasurable effect of smoking
become secondary reinforcers.
what are secondary reinforcers.
relates to the addiction
other stimuli are called secondary reinforcers and become rewarding in their own right.
what are the three main elements of cue reactivity
1) A subjective self-reported desire to smoke
2) Physiological signs of reactivity to a cue (e.g. heart rate)
3) Objective behavioural indicators such as how many ‘draws’ are taken on a cigarette and how strongly.
