Consider the relative contribution of classical and operatn Essay

Consider the relative contribution of classical and operatn conditioning to problem gambling - Essay Example This paper will look at various theories and therapies related with gambling behavior with the focus on conditioning theories. As gambling is becoming a popular activity, the problems associated with gambling are also increasing. Because of this, it has become necessary to do extensive research into the different facets of gambling including the behaviors that influence gambling, the negative effects it can have, and treatment of gambling addicts. Researchers have also tried to classify gamblers into various categories using different criteria. For example, Abbott, Palmisano & Dickerson (1995) classify gamblers as excessive of normal gamblers; Fisher (1993) classifies them as social or pathological gamblers; Gupta & Derevensky (1998) classify them as social, problem, or pathological gamblers; Shaffer et al. (1994) classify them as non-pathological, in-transition, or pathological gamblers; and Vitaro, Arseneault & Tremblay (1999) classify them as recreational, low-problem, or high-problem gamblers. (cited in Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002) These differences in the classification of gamblers have also resulted in non-applicability of a single gambling model to the overall population of gamblers, although there are other various reasons too. A single theoretical model of gambling cannot explain and account for the various biological, psychological and social factors that are related with problem gambling. Problem Gambling Problem gambling can be defined as a "gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social, or vocational." (The National Council , nd. n.p.) Problem gambling also includes what other researchers like Blaszczynski & Nower (2002) have referred to as pathological gambling. Pathological gambling refers to an enduring and repeated maladaptive gambling behavior, in which the gambler cannot control the desire to gamble, which may bring harmful psychosocial results: personal, familial, financial, professional, or legal. (APA, 1994; cited in Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002) Because of his inability to control his gambling behavior, a problem gambler may harm his own self, his family or the community. For example, a problem gambler will give priority to his gambling habits over his family's needs, and therefore, will not care about destroying his familial life as a normal person would care. There are some symptoms that are commonly found in problem gamblers although they do not necessarily mean that a person is involved in problem gambling. These signs include but are not limited to headaches, back pain, insomnia, ADHD, anxiety. (Tessier & Ballon, 2003) It is recommended that when such orders are frequently found in a patient, a physician should test him for problem gambling. Classical and Operant Conditioning Classical conditioning revolves around the concepts of stimulus and response. A stimulus is anything that brings a response in the subject. A response is a reaction that is brought by the

How did the feminists movement find expression during the 18th century Research Paper

How did the feminists movement find expression during the 18th century (Humanities) - Research Paper Example Therefore, the feminist movement was born because women were tired of the harsh treatment by mean and thus they had to express themselves and fight the oppression (Treanor 2002). The plight of women was at stake in the 1800s. Their role was different to that of men. The woman was expected to look for a husband, give birth and was to take care of the husband throughout their whole life. During then, it was deemed as a taboo for women to remain single. For instance, single women were pitied and scorned by the society. Furthermore, a woman’s right to own property was when she was still at her father’s house but after she got married; her entire property belonged to the husband. The women were also not expected to divorce and they were expected to stay in marriage even if it was miserable. Hence, divorce was punishable by law but majority of the victims were women. In those days, marriage was a lifelong commitment. It did not only undermine their strengths but destroyed their opportunity to a kind of freedom and also subdued their voices giving them no hope of social recognition (Bhabha and Shutter 1994). Throughout history, women were entitled to less legal rights and occupation chances. The women’s legal rights were very minimal to no rights at all. Their right to own property was not respected but resulted to the property being the husband’s after marriage. On the other hand, their right to vote had not been accepted and thus there was no woman representative in the governments of the time. However, towards the end of the nineteenth century, the feminist movement had already won the rights to vote and their chances of accessing education as well as other occupation that were regarded for men. In terms of occupation, motherhood and wifehood were considered the most major profession for women all over. They were thus expected to be submissive in