Nicotine Addiction: LEARNING THEORY

Question 1

Smoking initiation: What did NIDA’s (2002) survey find? (2 points)

Answer 1

• 90% of US smokers claimed they took up the habit as a teen
• Most attributed this to watching their peers and family members

Question 2

(Essay Only) Smoking initiation: Explain NIDA’s (2002) survey findings using SLT (3 points)

Answer 2

• Children may observe high status role models, E.G. Mum consuming nicotine and appearing much calmer & relaxed
  (OR - watching equal status role models E.G. peers)
• This (negative) vicarious reinforcement holds attention and through repeated use, remain in memory
• Due to increased access to nicotine, this could easily be seen as acceptable & legitimate way of behaving = can develop into an addiction

Question 3

Smoking maintenance: Explain Immediate reinforcement & LT consequences (OC) (3 points)

Answer 3

• According to Skinner, immediate reinforcers take precedence over the LT consequences of addictive behaviours
• The fact that 25% of nicotine reaches the brain in 10 seconds validates this
• Skinner believed we fail to consider LT consequences because he believed we are empty organisms - and focus exclusively on ST

Question 4

Smoking maintenance: Give examples of immediate reinforcing effects (3 points)

Answer 4

• Relaxation
• Stress relief
• (Sophisticated / Cool) - Subjective

Question 5

Smoking maintenance: Give examples of the LT consequences (4 points)

Answer 5

• Lung cancer
• Stained hands/teeth
• Respiratory problems
• Smelling bad

Question 6

(IMPORTANT) Smoking relapse: Explain Cue reactivity by Carter & Tiffany (1999) (3 points)

Answer 6

• CC claims smoking is often maintained & relapsed due to triggers or CUES in the environment that we have learned to associate with smoking addiction and
• These triggers are referred to as CS
• Through CC these cues (or CS) will elicit CR even in the absence of the actual smoking behaviour

Question 7

Smoking relapse: Give examples of Cues/CS that may reignite smoking (3points)

Answer 7

• Lighters
• Certain peers
• Certain places (E.G. smoking areas)

Question 8

Smoking relapse: Further explain how these CUES reignite Smoking addictions (2 points)

Answer 8

• Sometimes attributed as the reason why ex-smokers relapse, as they return to the same environment & friendship groups with the same cues present
• When people return to smoking, nicotine acts as a negative reinforcer because it removes the temporary withdrawal symptoms - compelling further use

Question 9

(Strength) What is the Practical Application of the learning approach? (2 points)

Answer 9

Coping Strategies

• Cue exposure involves presenting the cue to the individual & helping them control their reaction
• Seen to be more effective than simply trying to avoid the cues, E.G. never associating with smoking friends

Question 10

(Weakness) Outline Robinson & Berridge’s (1993) study (3 points)

Answer 10

• Argued many people try smoking yet do not become addicted despite the rewards
• Suggests other factors must also be at work, allowing some to not become NICOTINE addicts
• Implies other biological/psychological factors (E.G. personality) may be needed for full explanation

Question 11

(Weakness) Explain how the Learning Approach is environmentally deterministic? (3 points)

Answer 11

• The approach suggests if our environment is addicted to smoking, we inevitably will also become addicted
• Does not consider the role of personal autonomy & suggests we are ’mere puppets of circumstance’
• Yet, society promotes personal responsibility

Question 12

(Strength) Outline Harakeh et al’s (2007) study (3 points)

Answer 12

• 428 families with 2 adolescents between 13-17
• Found non-smoking adolescents with older smoking siblings & those with a smoking best friend more likely to start smoking 1 year later
• Shows through vicarious reinforcement friends & older siblings influence smoking initiation