Tuesday, March 12, 2013

How does Skinner's explanation of emotions compare to developmentalists' explanation of emotions?

Skinner believed that emotions could be conditioned. That
is, we can learn how to feel the appropriate (or suggested) emotions to external
stimulus. For example, f we were happy at the death of a loved one, we would receive
negative social feedback and this would "teach" us that the appropriate emotion is
sadness. The nature of our emotions, according to Skinner, is learned, rather than
innate.


Developmental psychologists view emotion as an
innate outgrowth of early childhood experiences. Emotions, for the developmentalist,
arise not from learning, but from observing and imitating early relational patterns
learned in childhood. For example, a young person who witnesses domestic abuse in the
household may grow up to feel a sense of security and fulfillment by participating in
such a relationship.


One view emotions as acquired through
a continuous learning process, the other views emotions as seated within early childhood
experiences.

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