The learning approach to smoking Flashcards
What is initiation of the learning approach to smoking?
Parental and peer role models - Typically, children pick up the habits from their parents as they are seen as role models. Children learn vicariously (through watching others) this means that when they see others enjoying smoking they will be more inclined to try the behaviour as they expect the same rewards of pleasure and enjoyment
Positive reinforcement (a pleasurable reward) - This is a component of operant conditioning and states that if a behaviour is desirable and causes a pleasurable reward it will be repeated. Referring to smoking is dopamine which nicotine attached to and makes the individual feel good (causes a buzz). However this doesn’t explain why children continue to smoke, even though the first experience is unpleasant.
What is maintenance for the learning approach to smoking?
Negative reinforcement – An operant conditioning concept where the behaviour is increased to escape something unpleasant. This can explain continuing dependence on nicotine. There are some times a smoker cannot smoke (at work, have no cigarettes, asleep) after a period of time they experience mild withdrawal symptoms of anxiety (sign of physical dependence) and they relive the symptoms by smoking again.
Classical conditioning - When there is a strong association between the behaviour and pleasure. The smoker associates specific moods, holding the cigarette, the taste, sensations (smell) , situations or environmental factors (smoking-related cues) with the rewarding effects of nicotine.
Why do people relapse learning approach to smoking?
Conditioning cues (classical and operant conditioning) – primary and secondary reinforcers cause us to associate specific good behaviour with smoking making the desire to smoke higher.
Evaluate the learning approach to smoking
Evaluation
There are lots of studies that support the role of conditioned cues in nicotine addiction. Showing smokers lighters, ashtrays, packets was shown to create physiological arousal and cravings.
People with high self efficacy and more likely to stop smoking they make more of an effort to unlearn the associations - Pairing smoking with electric shocks can work!
Many people with siblings and parents who smoke do not smoke themselves showing modelling isn’t the only reason people begin smoking and isn’t that reliable for explaining initiation.
