Opponent-Process Theory

Opponent-process theory is a psychological model proposed by Richard Solomon in 1980 to account for addictive behavior. It asserts that emotions are paired, and that when one emotion in a pair is experienced, the other is suppressed. The theory has its origins in a study Solomon conducted along with J.D. Corbit in 1974, in which the researchers analyzed the emotions of skydivers. It was found that beginners have greater levels of fear than more experienced skydivers, but less pleasure upon landing. In the opponent process model, this is the result of a shift over time from fear to pleasure in the fear-pleasure emotion pair.

Most modern researchers believe that motivation is too complex to be explained by a single theory. Therefore, much motivation research focuses on individual motives, such as hunger, achievement motivation, and curiosity. Opponent-process theory is one modern theory of motivation that embraces a broad view of motivation but is more modest than traditional single-concept theories. Theorist Richard Solomon argues that many acquired motives (learned motives) arise from the interplay of two opposing processes in the brain.

Richard Solomon (1980) has developed a theory of motivation/emotion that views emotions as pairs of opposites (for example, fear-relief, pleasure-pain). The opponent-process theory states that when one emotion is experienced, the other is suppressed. For example, if you are frightened by a mean dog, the emotion of fear is expressed and relief is suppressed. If the fear-causing stimulus continues to be present, after a while the fear decreases and the relief intensifies. For example, if the dog didn't move, your fear would decrease and relief that the dog didn't attack would increase. If the stimulus is no longer present, then the first emotion disappears and is replaced totally with the second emotion. If the dog turns and runs, you are no longer afraid, but rather feel very relieved.
Solomon and Corbit (1974) analyzed the emotions present when skydivers jump from planes. Beginners experience extreme fear as they jump, which is replaced by great relief when they land. With repeated jumps, the fear decreases and the post-jump pleasure increases. This process may explain a variety of thrill-seeking behaviors. It has also been proposed as a model of drug addiction. The drug initially produces pleasurable feelings, but then a negative emotional experience occurs. Eventually, the drug user takes drugs not for their pleasurable effects, but to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Over time, however, as the levels of pleasure from using the drug decrease, the levels of withdrawal symptoms from not taking the drug increase, thus providing motivation to use the drug despite a lack of pleasure from it.The opponent-process theory is an attempt to link emotional states with motivation.

According to opponent-process theory, one might fall in love because one experiences pleasure with the beloved. Later, however, one stays with that person despite boredom or conflict primarily in order to avoid the pain of breakup and loneliness. One's behaviour in the realtionship is motivated by a process of balancing and progressing between the opponent forces of pleasure and pain.
Although it is an intriguing idea, some researchers have not found support for the opponent-process theory. For example, Sanduik and colleagues (1985) did not find a reaction to withdrawal, as predicted by the theory. Additional research is needed to test the usefulness of the opponent-process theory.

Opponent-process is a theory that promises to explain a variety of behaviour patterns, and awaits further research to confirm its value to a general understanding of motivation.



The Beauty of Love

The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and a girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?"

And the answer is given. "Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired, but still strong with love and devotion for one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love. Old love."