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Compulsive Conditioned Sexual Responding of Male Japanese Quail in Extinction
Falih Köksal1, Gülsen Kumru2, Can Anarat2
1Psychology Department, İzmir University of Economics, Fevzi Çakmak, Sakarya Cd. No:156, 35330, Balçova, İzmir, Turkey. falih.koksal@ieu.edu.tr.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|January 5, 2021
Summary
Male quail copulated more with an inanimate object after it was paired with a female quail, especially when the female was absent. This suggests sexual deprivation may drive compulsive sexual behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
- Sexual Behavior
Background:
- Conditioned sexual behavior in male quail can be elicited by an inanimate object (CS) previously paired with a female quail (US).
- Previous studies observed an increase in copulation with the CS during extinction trials, suggesting a complex learning process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the increased conditioned sexual behavior towards an inanimate CS during extinction.
- To differentiate between approach and consummatory responders in their reaction to US deprivation during extinction.
Main Methods:
- Male quail (N=57) underwent acquisition with a terry-cloth CS and a live female US.
- During extinction, quail were divided into subgroups with or without the female US present in their home cages.
- Behavioral responses (approach and consummatory) were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Consummatory responders without the female US showed a significant increase in conditioned copulation during extinction (compulsive responding).
- Quail exposed to the female US showed no change in consummatory responding.
- Both groups exhibited resistance to extinction for both approach and consummatory behaviors.
Conclusions:
- US deprivation appears to be a key factor driving increased conditioned copulation with the CS during extinction.
- Conditioned copulation may provide partial drive satisfaction, contributing to the persistence of the behavior.
- Findings offer insights into the mechanisms underlying paraphilias and compulsive sexual behaviors.
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