Evidence for an expectancy-based theory of avoidance behaviour.
In most studies on avoidance learning, participants receive an aversive unconditioned stimulus after a warning signal is presented, unless the participant performs a particular response. Lovibond (2006) recently proposed a cognitive theory of avoidance learning, according to which avoidance behaviour is a function of both Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning. In line with this theory, we found that avoidance behaviour was based on an integration of acquired knowledge about, on the one hand, the relation between stimuli and, on the other hand, the relation between behaviour and stimuli.
Declercq
Mieke
M
Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. MiekeE.Declercq@UGent.be
De Houwer
Jan
J
Baeyens
Frank
F
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology