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Stimuli previously associated with reinforcement mitigate resurgence
Andrew R Craig1, Kaitlyn O Browning1, Timothy A Shahan1
1Utah State University.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|August 30, 2017
Summary
Resurgence, the return of extinguished behavior, was reduced when associated stimuli were presented during extinction testing. However, this effect was not eliminated, suggesting partial mitigation of behavioral relapse.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral psychology
- Animal behavior research
Background:
- Resurgence is the recurrence of extinguished behavior after alternative reinforcement stops.
- Reinforcer delivery during extinction can reduce resurgence.
- The role of conditioned stimuli in mitigating resurgence requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if stimuli associated with reinforcers can mitigate resurgence.
- To compare the effects of different extinction conditions on behavioral relapse.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained on a target lever-pressing task for food reinforcement.
- An alternative nose-poke response was introduced and reinforced, while lever pressing was extinguished.
- Three groups experienced different Phase 3 conditions: continuous reinforcement, extinction, or conditioned stimuli only for the alternative response.
Main Results:
- Resurgence occurred in groups receiving no consequences or only conditioned stimuli for the alternative response.
- The group receiving only conditioned stimuli showed smaller resurgence than the no-consequence group.
- Continuous reinforcement of the alternative response prevented resurgence.
Conclusions:
- Delivery of conditioned stimuli associated with food reinforcement can partially reduce, but not eliminate, the resurgence of extinguished behavior.
- These findings suggest potential strategies for managing relapse in clinical settings.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying stimulus control in resurgence.
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