Question

Describe the temporal pattern of a typical emotional response, according to the opponent-process theory of Solomon and Corbit. What underlying processes are hypothesized to be involved, and how do they change with repeated presentations of the same stimulus?

Answer 1

The opponent-process theory posits an initial emotional response followed by an opposite emotion, with the primary emotion weakening and the opponent emotion strengthening over repeated stimulations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The opponent-process theory of Solomon and Corbit describes a temporal pattern of emotional responses. According to the theory, when a stimulus evokes an emotion (the primary process), it is followed by an opposite emotional response (the opponent process). With repeated presentations of the same stimulus, the initial emotional response weakens while the opponent process strengthens, leading to a quicker return to emotional baseline or even an overcompensation, resulting in the opposite emotion being stronger.

Two underlying processes are involved: an affective process, which triggers the initial emotional response, and the opponent process, which serves to counteract and stabilize emotional states. The affective process is hypothesized to weaken with repeated exposure while the opponent process gains strength. In neuroscience, this can be related to the habituation of the nervous system's response to repeated stimuli.