Smoking addiction learning theory

What is assumption 1: behaviourism

Behaviour is a learned response from environmental stimuli. We are born tabula rasa (as a blank slate).

All our behaviour is learnt through experiences/the environment.

All behaviour is due to a stimulus-response process.

Need to study the behaviour we can see

What is assumption 2: behaviourism

Application to animals

Learning in other animals is similar to what is seen in humans

We can research using animals to learn more about humans

What is assumption 3: social learning theory

Behaviour can be learned from observation and imitation

We can learn behaviours by observing other people's behaviours and imitating (copying them)

We are more likely to do this if the behaviours are from our role models

Classical conditioning

Learning through association of a neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned stimulus to produce an unconditioned response. Over multiple pairings, the neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus leading to a conditioned response

Operant Conditioning (Skinner)

Learning through reinforcement e.g. positive and negative reinforcement and punishment

Social learning theory

Learning through observation and imitation of role models

What does UCS mean

unconditioned stimulus

At does UCR mean

Unconditioned response

What does NS mean

neutral stimulus

What CS mean

Conditioned stimulus

What does CR mean

conditioned response

The process of acquiring an addiction

Before conditioning:

UCS= socialising ➡️ UCR= happiness ➡️ NS= cigarettes

During conditioning:

UCS= socialising + NS= cigarette ➡️ UCS= happiness

After conditioning:

CS= cigarette ➡️ CR= happiness

What is classic conditioning with initiating smoking

The smoking has now ben associated with feelings of pleasure and a general good mood

What is operant conditioning with initiating smoking

The individual may gain popularity (positive reinforcement).

What did brynner (1969) show

That media portrays smokers as being attractive and tough (desirable traits)

What is social learning theory with initiating smoking

An individual will see a role model smoking and therefore will repeat this behaviour. They may even see the role model being praised for smoking and therefore replicate this (vicarious reinforcement)

What is operant conditioning with maintenance of smoking

Continued reinforcement of gaining popularity

What is negative reinforcement with maintenance of smoking

Can be see by the individual removing the unwanted side effects )e.g. irritability) by continuing to smoke

What is cue reactivity with maintenance of smoking

Increases the maintenance of smoking. There are cues that will start the initiation of smoking e.g. seeing a pub or a lighter. Smokers generalise the happy mod to the other cues associated with smoking

What is cue reactivity with relapse

Things like meeting old friends can trigger the onset needing to smoke. These feelings are accompanied with physiological changes e.g. increased heart rate, irritability

What is operant conditioning with relapse

Negative reinforcement to remove the unwanted side effects of nicotine withdrawal

What are learning explanations like social learning theory and why

Reductionist as they only consider certain aspects such as reinforcement

Why have methods used to treat nicotine addiction been successful

Because they are designed on the basis of classical conditioning and target the root cause of addiction

What do learning approaches not do

Doesn't consider other approaches in the development of nicotine addiction such as the cognitive approach and how irrational thoughts and cognitive biases play a role