Opponent Process Theory of Emotions

Definition

Richard L. Solomon's opponent process theory of emotions—also commonly referred to as the opponent process theory of acquired motivation—contends that the primary or initial reaction to an emotional event (State A) will be followed by an opposite secondary emotional state (State B). In other words, a stimulus that initially inspires displeasure will likely be followed by a pleasurable after-feeling and vice versa. The second important aspect of this theory is that after repeated exposure to the same emotional event, the State A reaction will begin to weaken, whereas the State B reaction will strengthen in intensity and duration. Thus, over time, the after-feeling can become the prevailing emotional experience associated with a particular stimulus event. One example of this phenomenon is how, for some people, an initial unpleasant fear aroused by a good roller-coaster ride becomes, over time, an enjoyable and much soughtafter experience.

Explanation

According to this theory, a primary a-process— directly activated by an emotional event—is followed by an opponent process, the secondary b-process, which gives rise to the opposite emotional state. In the first few exposures to an emotion-eliciting event, such an opponent process can act to return an organism to a state of emotional homeostasis or neutrality following an intensely emotional episode. After repeated exposures, however, the State A response weakens and the State B response strengthens. Because these states change over time, the later acquired effects are often referred to as States A′ and B′ to indicate change over time. Thus, an initially positive emotional experience (e.g., love or interpersonal stimulation or drug use) can eventually give rise to a prevailing negative emotional experience (e.g., grief or withdrawal), whereas an initially negative emotional experience (e.g., giving blood or parachuting) can eventually give way to a prevailing positive experience (e.g., warm-glow effect or exhilaration). As such, this theory has been commonly used to help explain the somewhat puzzling behavioral tendencies associated with addictive behavior.

Background and Significance

Solomon supported his theory by drawing on numerous examples of opponent process effects in the literature. Four such examples are described in some detail: (1) love/interpersonal stimulation, (2) drug use, (3) parachuting, (4) donating blood. The first two of these represent events that give rise to initially positive emotional states; the others initially create negative emotional states. In each of these examples, two core aspects of the theory are evident: (1) The emotional value of the primary a-process and opponent b-process are always contrasting, and (2) repeated exposures to the same emotion-eliciting event lead the a-process to weaken and the b-process to strengthen.

In the first example, the initial happiness elicited by a loving relationship may eventually give rise to a negative emotional state. A common anecdote used to illustrate this point is that of a couple engaged in the height of sexual passion (highly positive), which is then abruptly interrupted, giving rise to contrasting irritability, loneliness, perhaps craving in its absence (highly negative). The opponent process has also been used to help explain more general separation anxiety in interpersonal relationships as well (e.g., in infant attachment when a parent leaves the room, and even in ducklings when the object of their imprinting is removed).

...