Aversion Therapy

A treatment based on the principles of classical conditioning

Aversion Therapy

• Uses classical conditioning to get rid of addictions or unwanted behaviours.

• Patient’s unwanted addiction is paired with a drug that makes them sick or electric shocks.

Aversion Therapy

• Aversion therapy can be used with alcoholics.• Alcohol is paired with an emetic drug (a drug

which causes nausea and vomiting).• Over time the alcoholic associates alcohol with

being sick and does not want to drink alcohol anymore.

• Other drinks such as soft drinks are given without the drug so that the person is not conditioned to feel sick to all drinks.

Aversion Therapy

(UCS) Emetic Drug Vomiting (UCR)

(CS) Alcohol + (UCS) Emetic Drug Vomiting (UCR)

(CS) Alcohol Vomiting (UCR)

Aversion Therapy

• Aversion therapy can be used with paedophiles.

• Paedophiles can give themselves a self-administered electric shock every time they look at a child or a picture of a child.

Evaluation of Aversion Therapy

Evaluation of Aversion Therapy

+Can help alcoholics when used alongside another treatment.

-Effects may not be permanent – Association between alcohol and vomiting may

fade over time if the person drinks alcohol without taking the emetic drug.

• Ethical issues– Distressing, patient lacks control

Evaluation of Aversion Therapy

• The Little Albert study showed that classical conditioning principles can be used to give a fear response.– Little Albert was classically conditioned to fear a

rat that he was previously unafraid of.

Exam Question

Arthur intends to give up drugs. Explain how Arthur might experience withdrawal.

(3 Marks)

Arthur seeks help for his addiction.Describe one treatment for drug dependency.

(3 marks)

Evaluate the use of one treatment for drug dependency.(4 Marks)