Opponent Process Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations and Clinical Applications | Ch 5

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

8-6-2025

Editor

Justin W. Gibson, Brett A. Pearce, Robert C. Thomas, Steven D. Thurber

Second Department

© 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the topics of risk-taking, thrill-seeking, and criminal behaviors through the lens of opponent process theory. Empirical studies have bolstered and challenged the proposed connections between opponent process theory and risky or thrill-seeking actions in the vein of activities such as self-inflicted injury, substance abuse, and even parachute jumping. However, the link between criminal behavior and opponent process theory has been explored on a more limited and speculative basis derived from studies focused more generally on the concept of sensation-seeking behavior. Nevertheless, a review of the extant literature may provide a groundwork for further research into the potential implications of opponent process theory in the context of criminal behavior.

First Page

59

Last Page

68

Chapter Title

Chapter 5 - Criminology and Risk Motivation

Publisher

Springer Cham

ISBN

[9783032000897, 9783032000903]

Rights

© 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

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