Phobias and Addictions as Related to Classical and Operant Conditioning (Coursework Sample)

Phobias and Addictions as related to Classical and Operant Conditioning
Cleon Smith
Writers Online University
Abstract
Both phobias and addictions represent two emotional challenges which associative learning theorists can explain through classical and operant conditioning. Classical and operant conditioning are among the various methods people learn, either as a learned response to paired stimulus or as modelled behaviors attached to behaviors and consequences that can develop into phobias and addictions. Classical conditioning has been linked to the development as well as treatment of phobias. Classical conditioning has been found effective in treating phobias and has not been found effective in treating addictions. Operant conditioning involves the neurotransmitters in the pain and pleasure region of the brain. Phobias resulting from classical conditioning as well as addictions developed through operant conditioning can be removed through extinction.
Classical conditioning is one of the major theories of human behavior. It involves a natural stimulus in relation to the response; thus a previously neutral response creates the response even without the presence of the natural stimulus. On the other hand operant conditioning involves a relationship between a behavior and its consequence. In classical conditioning a neutral signal is placed before a reflex while in contrary to operant conditioning the reinforcement is after the behavior. Classical conditioning on the other hand focuses on the forced behaviors whereas operant conditioning dwells on the voluntary behaviors. Thus we find out that classical conditioning can cause a phobia; and according to American Psychiatric Association, a phobia is an irrational and excessive fear of an object or situation. In most cases, the phobia involves a sense of being endangered or a fear of harm. Yates (2012), ``specific phobia is characterized by extreme and persistent fear of specific objects or situations that present little or no real threat`` (p.1). On the other hand operant conditioning being another type of associative learning is associated with addiction: and addiction always results when one associates a response, like a positive emotional response that occurs at the same time as a particular effect, such as engaging in the use of a particular substance or engaging in a particular activity .While the two have verse differences they posses some similarities as both being methods to modify behavior and the use of extinction.
A phobia is a common anxiety disorder in psychology discipline thus phobias are traditionally irrational fears of an object, situation or activity, where the sufferer takes measures of avoidance, not to face one`s fear. ``Higher-order conditioning allows our learning to be remarkably flexible. We can develop fears of many stimuli, although certain phobias, such as those of snakes, spiders, heights, water and blood are considerably more
widespread than others(American Psychological Association,2000)All types of phobias may interfere with normal daily functioning, and overwhelming anxiety may develop thus they can develop through classical conditioning as underlined in the following; ``phobias develop through classical conditioning when one stimulus is paired with another resulting in a different response`` Dingfelder(2005),therefore when one has irrational fear of cancer,carcinophobia,this can lead one to associate cancer with fear and anxiety; the news of someone suffering from cancer or even reading articles about cancers sends chills down the spine of the person which can lead to fear and anxiety. Thus to sum it up all phobias and fetishes are products of classical conditioning.
Addictions are dependencies on substances or activities, which results when one lacks the ability to limit or stop a certain activity. They occur when one becomes dependent on a particular substance like narcotics or a particular activity like sex.Substance use and engaging in activities can be pleasurable in most cases though a routine usage or continued activity can become compulsive therefore hindering daily functioning,health,mental processing thus addictions are illnesses that in most cases require treatment. ``Operant conditioning is learning that occurs when an organism associates a response that occurs spontaneously with a particular environmental effect`` (Kowalski&Westen, 2011).Addictions are developed through operant conditioning as illustrated; addictions in most cases result when one associates a response, like a pleasurable emotional response which happens simultaneously with a particular activity. Therefore operant conditioning necessitates addictions because of the repeated response that causes a particular effect, which is constantly required. The continual desire causes one to further the use of a particular substance or activity, hence addictions develop. Like the case of alcohol consumption if taken constantly and regularly drives one to be alcoholic.
The American Heritage®dictiona...