Behaviourist explanations of Relationship Formation

According to the Behaviourist Approach, What influences the formation of our relationships?

If our behaviour is learned from the environment, then it is reasonable to expect that external factors will influence the formation of our relationships.

What role does Operant Conditioning play in the formation of a Relationship? - Example

Operant Conditioning principles suggest that reinforcements and punishments drive our behaviour. This can easily be translated into an explanation of the formation of relationships.

For example, the positive attention of compliments someone gives us is rewarding and we are likely to repeat the behaviour, spending more time with them. It also helps us avoid feelings of loneliness.

What role does Classical Conditioning play in the formation of a Relationship? - Example

In addition to liking people who we share pleasant experiences with, we also like people we associate with pleasant events.

If we feel happy (positive) when we met someone, we are more likely to like them than if we are in a bad mood (negative). Liking leads to a relationship.

What type of Conditioning is used in the relationships between pets and their owners?

The relationships between pets and their owners reinforce the operant conditioning principles. For example, training dogs involves rewarding good behaviour and punishing bad behaviour.

There is general belief that humans and animals behave in the same way. Dogs and Cats recognise the behaviours their owners’ exhibit and adjust their own to reinforce positive behaviours.

Operant Conditioning in relationships between pets and their owners - Example

If pets behave badly, for example, if a dog urinates in the kitchen floor, he is punished and learns not to do it again. If he behaves well, such as sitting when the owner asks, he may be rewarded and learn that this is a positive behaviour to be repeated.

Reward will increase contentment in the animal, and he is more likely to repeat this good behaviour.

What is a benefit to humans of owning a pet?

Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets and the presence of a pet is generally associated with positive feelings such as companionships and loyalty.