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The opponent-process theory of acquired motivation: The costs of pleasure and the benefits of pain

The opponent-process theory of acquired motivation: The costs of pleasure and the benefits of pain When a UCS, reinforcer, or innate releaser is repeatedly presented to human or animal Ss, 3 major affective phenomena are often observed: (1) affective or hedonic contrast; (2) frequent repetition giving rise to affective or hedonic habituation (tolerance); and (3) after frequent repetition of these stimuli, a withdrawal or abstinence syndrome emerging directly from stimulus termination. These affective dynamics generate new motives, new opportunities for reinforcing and energizing operant behaviors, based on the hedonic attributes of withdrawal or abstinence syndromes. The present article describes the opponent-process theory that attempts to account for such diverse acquired motives as drug addiction, love, affection and social attachment, cravings for sensory and aesthetic experiences, and a variety of self-administered, aversive stimuli. The empirical laws governing the establishment of these new motives are described. Crucial variables include the quality, intensity, and duration of each stimulus presentation and the time intervals between presentations (interreinforcement intervals). The theory also gives a plausible account of the development of addictive behaviors, whether initiated by pleasurable or by aversive events. (53 ref) http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png American Psychologist American Psychological Association

The opponent-process theory of acquired motivation: The costs of pleasure and the benefits of pain

Solomon, Richard L.
American Psychologist , Volume 35 (8): 22 – Aug 1, 1980
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Publisher
American Psychological Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1980 American Psychological Association
ISSN
0003-066x
eISSN
1935-990X
DOI
10.1037/0003-066X.35.8.691
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

When a UCS, reinforcer, or innate releaser is repeatedly presented to human or animal Ss, 3 major affective phenomena are often observed: (1) affective or hedonic contrast; (2) frequent repetition giving rise to affective or hedonic habituation (tolerance); and (3) after frequent repetition of these stimuli, a withdrawal or abstinence syndrome emerging directly from stimulus termination. These affective dynamics generate new motives, new opportunities for reinforcing and energizing operant behaviors, based on the hedonic attributes of withdrawal or abstinence syndromes. The present article describes the opponent-process theory that attempts to account for such diverse acquired motives as drug addiction, love, affection and social attachment, cravings for sensory and aesthetic experiences, and a variety of self-administered, aversive stimuli. The empirical laws governing the establishment of these new motives are described. Crucial variables include the quality, intensity, and duration of each stimulus presentation and the time intervals between presentations (interreinforcement intervals). The theory also gives a plausible account of the development of addictive behaviors, whether initiated by pleasurable or by aversive events. (53 ref)

Journal

American Psychologist – American Psychological Association

Published: Aug 1, 1980

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