How might behaviours of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder...
The basic principles of reinforcement apply to OCD behaviours. When anxiety increases, individuals behave in ways to reduce this anxiety. Over time, individuals learn which behaviours are most effective for alleviating anxiety, and thus these behaviours become reinforced over time. Schedules of reinforcement may be considered as moderating the reinforcement effects but not the main principle for explaining learned behaviours. Answer A refers to genetic predisposition, answer B refers to classical conditioning and answer C is a distracter that does not address the question.
View all questions of this test
How might behaviours of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder...
Explanation:
OCD behaviors can be explained by the principles of instrumental learning, specifically in terms of reinforcement and reduction of anxiety.
Reinforcement:
- Individuals with OCD engage in specific behaviors (such as repetitive rituals or compulsions) because they have learned that these behaviors provide relief from anxiety.
- The relief from anxiety acts as a reinforcement, making the individual more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Reduction of Anxiety:
- People with OCD often experience high levels of anxiety or distress when faced with certain triggers or obsessions.
- By engaging in compulsive behaviors, they temporarily reduce this anxiety, reinforcing the behavior and making it more likely to occur again in the future.
Reinforcement and Maintenance:
- The reduction of anxiety through engaging in OCD behaviors acts as a form of negative reinforcement, as it reduces a negative stimulus (anxiety).
- This reinforcement mechanism maintains the OCD behaviors over time, as individuals continue to engage in them to alleviate their anxiety.
In summary, OCD behaviors are learned and reinforced through the reduction of anxiety they provide. This reinforcement loop maintains the behaviors and contributes to the persistence of OCD symptoms.