A Response Disequilibrium Approach to Escape and Avoidance

Abstract

Response Disequilibrium Theory (RDT) offers a novel framework for analyzing negative reinforcement, and therefore, escape-avoidance behavior in humans. Timberlake and Allison (1974) approximated an RDT approach to negative reinforcement, while Heth and Warren (1981) designed a procedure to test it. Participants in Heth and Warren could terminate audio or visual stimuli as a form of escape-avoidance behavior. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend Heth and Warren with a modern-day computer apparatus that included social media advertisements (Ads) and TikTok videos (Vids). The research question in the current study asked: Is there an escape-avoidance equilibrium that an individual will defend during conditions of response deficit or excess? A counterbalanced multi-treatment ABACA design was used to measure Ads and Vids termination durations in baseline (A) and during conditions of response deficit (B) and excess (C). Response deficit restricted access to Ads termination while response excess provided an overabundance of Vids termination. Both Ads and Vids played simultaneously during all conditions. Eight undergraduate students were recruited from Salem State University’s research participant system. Five of eight participants showed escape-avoidance equilibriums for terminating more Ads than Vids, while three of eight had an equilibrium for simultaneous play of Ads and Vids with minimal termination. Escape-avoidance behavior increased in the response deficit and decreased in the response excess condition. The observed reduction in escape-avoidance behaviors could be socially significant and provide practitioners ways to ameliorate negatively reinforced behavioral disorders.