Opponent Process
Location
CALS
Publication Date
June 2024
Start Date
1-6-2024 9:00 AM
Description
The tendency toward balance permeates all of nature. Ecosystems reach equilibrium. The Universe is moving toward zero energy gradient. Our bodies seek to maintain physiological equilibrium. When a stimulus perturbs this, the body fights to restore the balance. Opponent process is how the body responds physiologically to a perturbing stimulus in order to return to baseline homeostasis. The concept of balance/imbalance affecting one’s condition is not new, nor is competing forces creating an equilibrium. Hippocrates postulated an imbalance of humors resulted in pathology. The Id and Superego were central to Freudian psychology. In Hegel’s dialectic, thesis and antithesis compete and form the synthesis. We still see competing forces: depolarization/hyperpolarization of a neuron during action potential, the balance of executive functioning and the limbic system. Some other areas opponent process could exist are pain perception and the associated hedonic relief as well as exercise and the accompanying endorphin release. Non-suicidal self-inflicted injury and the relief which so often follows may be opponent processes as well. Opponent process could underpin criminal behavior. Literature suggests categorization of individuals who commit crimes based on their emotional responses to the idea of crime; one type that feels little/no fear when confronted with a hazardous situation, and another that feels fear when faced with such a situation. These typologies correspond with differing “a-states,” risk-embracing type versus a risk-aversive type. Opponent process stipulate corresponding, opposite reactions, b-states, that the risk-embracing individuals may develop more urges to commit crime, whereas the risk-aversive may experience increased sensation of relief and even exhilaration over time. These correlate with opponent process: a-states lessen over the course of repeated stimuli while b-states intensify. This may explain how/why individuals with differing motivations engage in repeated criminal offenses. The opponent process model can also be applied to substance use and drug addiction. In this model, the “a-state” refers to the direct initial effects of the substance. However, with repeated exposure what we have found is the generation of an opposing b-state which counteracts the a-state. The relation between these two states can be applied to further conceptualize tolerance and withdrawal. The proposed poster will present opponent process as it will be discussed in a book currently being authored, titled Opponent Process. If accepted, we will review published data on a falsifiable model of opponent processes that traverses topics germane to health maintenance and the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The review will include physiological underpinnings of the model together with treatment implications.
Recommended Citation
Gibson, Justin W. MA; Pearce, Brett MD; Thomas, Robert “Clayton”; and Thurber, Steven PhD, "Opponent Process" (2024). Dept. of Psychiatry Research Symposium. 6.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/psych_rd/2024/posters/6
Opponent Process
CALS
The tendency toward balance permeates all of nature. Ecosystems reach equilibrium. The Universe is moving toward zero energy gradient. Our bodies seek to maintain physiological equilibrium. When a stimulus perturbs this, the body fights to restore the balance. Opponent process is how the body responds physiologically to a perturbing stimulus in order to return to baseline homeostasis. The concept of balance/imbalance affecting one’s condition is not new, nor is competing forces creating an equilibrium. Hippocrates postulated an imbalance of humors resulted in pathology. The Id and Superego were central to Freudian psychology. In Hegel’s dialectic, thesis and antithesis compete and form the synthesis. We still see competing forces: depolarization/hyperpolarization of a neuron during action potential, the balance of executive functioning and the limbic system. Some other areas opponent process could exist are pain perception and the associated hedonic relief as well as exercise and the accompanying endorphin release. Non-suicidal self-inflicted injury and the relief which so often follows may be opponent processes as well. Opponent process could underpin criminal behavior. Literature suggests categorization of individuals who commit crimes based on their emotional responses to the idea of crime; one type that feels little/no fear when confronted with a hazardous situation, and another that feels fear when faced with such a situation. These typologies correspond with differing “a-states,” risk-embracing type versus a risk-aversive type. Opponent process stipulate corresponding, opposite reactions, b-states, that the risk-embracing individuals may develop more urges to commit crime, whereas the risk-aversive may experience increased sensation of relief and even exhilaration over time. These correlate with opponent process: a-states lessen over the course of repeated stimuli while b-states intensify. This may explain how/why individuals with differing motivations engage in repeated criminal offenses. The opponent process model can also be applied to substance use and drug addiction. In this model, the “a-state” refers to the direct initial effects of the substance. However, with repeated exposure what we have found is the generation of an opposing b-state which counteracts the a-state. The relation between these two states can be applied to further conceptualize tolerance and withdrawal. The proposed poster will present opponent process as it will be discussed in a book currently being authored, titled Opponent Process. If accepted, we will review published data on a falsifiable model of opponent processes that traverses topics germane to health maintenance and the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The review will include physiological underpinnings of the model together with treatment implications.