NIC Learning theory explanations

• Initiation = positive reinforcement

  • consequence is rewarding (e.g. pleasure) so likely to be repeated
  • nicotine is a powerful reinforcer due to its psychological effect on dopamine reward systems
  • stimulates release of dopamine in nucleus accumbers giving mild euphoria making them want to smoke again
• maintenance = negative reinforcement

  • when going without nicotine, person has withdrawal symptoms (agitation, poor concentration, anxiety)
  • to stop unpleasant stimuli, cigarette is smoked, maintaining addiction
• Role of classical conditioning:

  • smoking is primary reinforcer via its effect on dopamine on its own
  • any other stimuli (cues) present at time of smoking becomes associated to the pleasure, secondary reinforcers (e.g. friends, lighter, environment)
  • cue reactivity = having the desire to smoke and changes in reaction to seeing the cues (e.g. increased heart rate)
  • entering environment with lots of cues makes someone more vulnerable
  • cues = NS, release of nic = US, pleasure = UR
• AO3

  • environmental determinism - few adolescents develop withdrawal symptoms after smoking occasionally
  • PA - aversion therapy to counter condition the pleasure, 52% went a year and counting after this