Learning approach to smoking

• How is positive reinforcement an explanation for addiction?


  Dopamine acts as the reward of smoking
• What is some research supporting positive reinforcement?

  Koob and Le Moal (2008) - positive reinforcement explains why people start smoking in the first place
• How does negative reinforcement support learning theory of addiction?


  Smokers want to avoid the negative feelings involved with withdrawal
• What is cue reactivity?


  The heightened response to cues associated with a particular behavior or substance
• How does cue reactivity explain smoking?


  Any stimuli present at the time of smoking becomes associated with the pleasurable effects of smoking, producing a reward on their own
• What is the primary reinforcer in smoking?


  Pleasurable effect
• What is an example of a secondary reinforcer in smoking?


  Ash tray, smoking area, lighter
• What is some supporting evidence for cue reactivity?

  Carter and Tiffany - dependent smokers react strongly to cues presented to them, reporting higher cravings and physiological arousal
• What is an application of learning theory?

  Aversion therapy - associating smoking with unpleasant stimuli
• What are the gender differences in smoking?

  Women are less successful than men at giving up
• What is a limitation of cue reactivity?


  Doesn’t explain what makes someone start in the first place