Posted by Budgie on August 29, 2003, at 0:58:08
In reply to HELP-NEED QUICK ADVICE!!, posted by Peter on August 28, 2003, at 9:57:11
Hi Peter,
I guess you won't get this in time, and it's not med help anyway. But we just learned in my Intro Psych class today that the relief you get by turning back at the last moment is actually a positive reinforcer- it keeps you engaging in that behavior. Not to make you feel worse, really ('cause I've definitely been there with you many times!), it's just something that I've been thinking about all day. It's why I *forced* myself to raise my hand and talk in all my classes today, despite the panic.
Of course, as I write this, it occurs to me that the knowledge of the depression that would surely follow an experience like yours should act as the opposite of a reinforcer, right? (Don't know the technical word for that yet.)
Keep trying, Peter. Keep talking to us, too- maybe over on the psychological babble board?
Best,
Budgie
poster:Budgie
thread:255023
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030828/msgs/255230.html