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Opponent Process Theory

[1] Opponent process theory recognizes that emotions exist in pairs of opposites such as fear-relief and pleasure-pain. [2] It states that when one emotion is experienced, the opposing emotion is suppressed. [3] The theory contends that a stimulus that initially inspires displeasure will likely be followed by a pleasurable after-feeling and vice versa, and that these effects will strengthen with repeated exposure.

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Francis Steve Fontillas
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1K views17 pages

Opponent Process Theory

[1] Opponent process theory recognizes that emotions exist in pairs of opposites such as fear-relief and pleasure-pain. [2] It states that when one emotion is experienced, the opposing emotion is suppressed. [3] The theory contends that a stimulus that initially inspires displeasure will likely be followed by a pleasurable after-feeling and vice versa, and that these effects will strengthen with repeated exposure.

Uploaded by

Francis Steve Fontillas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

OPPONENT PROCESS

THEORY
RICHARD L. SOLOMON
Opponent Process Theory

• Recognizes emotions as pairs of opposites


(fear-relief, pleasure-pain)
Opponent Process Theory

• States that when one emotion is


experienced, the other is suppressed.
Opponent Process Theory
(Contentions)

• A stimulus that initially inspires displeasure


(State A) will likely be followed by a
pleasurable after-feeling (State B) and vice
versa.
Opponent Process Theory
(Contentions)

• After repeated exposure to the same


emotional event, the State A will begin to
weaken, whereas the State B will strengthen
in intensity and duration.
EXAMPLES

• LOVE
The initial happiness elicited by a loving
relationship may eventually give rise to a
negative emotional state.
EXAMPLES

• DRUG USE
The intense euphoria induced by a drug wears
off over time leaving a user with a prevailing
negative withdrawal reaction, making it
difficult for him to ever return to the original
high state he first experienced.
EXAMPLES

• PARACHUTING
Beginners often report experiencing absolute
terror when jumping out of a plane and
reported to be in a stunned state once they
land.
EXAMPLES

• DONATING BLOOD
When people first give blood, they feel anxious
during the experience, but they feel relief once
it is done.
IMPLICATIONS

• LOVE
Over time, people may become motivated to
stay in love relationship perhaps more in
attempt to avoid feeling lonely than to sustain
the love feeling.
IMPLICATIONS

• DRUG USE
Drug addicts may take drugs in increasingly
large doses not to chase the initial high so
much as to avoid the increasing feelings of
withdrawal.
IMPLICATIONS

• PARACHUTING / DONATING BLOOSD


Events that initially give rise to negative
emotional state, over time may be sought
after in an attempt to attain rewarding effects
of the after-feelings associated with them.
1. He developed the opponent process theory.

a. Ivan Pavlov
b. John Corbit
c. Jean Piaget
d. Richard Solomon
2. According to this theory, when one emotion is
experienced, the other is suppressed.

a. Hierarchy of needs theory


b. Achievement theory
c. Opponent process theory
d. Self determination theory
3. According to opponent process theory, you feel
fear during the experience, what do you feel
eventually?

a. Pleasure
b. Relief
c. Pain
d.Anxiety
4. You are frightened by a mean dog. If the dog
doesn’t move toward you, ___________

a.fear might decrease


b.fear might increase
c.relief would decrease
d.pain would increase
5. Which of these statements is true?
a.During the first jump, a jumper doesn’t have any feeling
of fear.
b.After how many jumps, most jumpers cease to be
terrified.
c. If the jumper feels pleasure during the first experience,
he doesn’t want to try gain.
d.Once the jumper lands on earth, he feels terror.

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