Vicarious Extinction

Vicarious extinction is a form of modeling in which a previously reinforced behavior is eliminated by withdrawal of consequences applied to a model. It is generally used within a therapeutic context as a method of reducing anxiety or fear but can also be used to eliminate other unwanted emotions or behaviors. Extinction refers to the elimination of all responsemaintaining reinforcers; after these reinforcers are eliminated, so is the undesired response. Vicarious extinction involves the individual observing another person performing the behavior without incurring the maintaining consequences.

For example, “Ryan” is an 8-year-old boy who is afraid of dogs. To eliminate this fear, Ryan's therapist has him view other children playing with a dog. The interaction has no adverse consequences. Furthermore, the positive consequences (i.e., immediate fear reduction) associated with avoidance do not occur. After witnessing the absence of aversive consequences, Ryan's fear is diminished, and he is able to approach a dog. Vicarious extinction has just taken place. Studies have also shown that increasing the diversity of stimuli decreases fear. For example, Ryan would be more likely to experience a reduction in anxiety after seeing several models interacting with several different dogs, rather than observing one model interacting with one dog.

The observation of a model is central to vicarious extinction. Modeling is part of social learning theory, which holds that learning, or changes in behavior, can come about through observation. In vicarious extinction, individuals learn through observing models that engaging in a behavior does not necessarily lead to the expected outcomes.

Although it is used in therapy, vicarious extinction can occur in everyday life as well. Simply by observing others interacting without fear and without the anticipated consequences, an anxious person's own fear can be reduced. Studies have shown that children with phobias who observe peers interacting with their feared stimuli—without incurring negative consequences—demonstrate stable and generalized avoidance reduction. This can be accomplished with a wide range of fears, from specific phobias to social avoidance.

Vicarious extinction can be accomplished through a variety of means. For instance, live or symbolic models can be used. That is, models can be observed directly (live) or can be observed on tape (symbolic). Whether the model is symbolic or live does not appear to affect treatment outcome. Symbolic modeling is sometimes preferred, as it allows an additional degree of control over the feared situation. Taped interactions can be carefully screened for the presence of unintended consequences, while live modeling involves a small degree of risk, as consequences are occasionally unpredictable.

Additional types of modeling in vicarious extinction for the treatment of anxiety involve the presence or the absence of fear. A mastery model displays no fear at all and engages in the behavior competently and calmly. Conversely, a coping model displays initial fearfulness but gradually becomes less fearful and more competent as the behavior is performed.