... learning principles. For instance, the attachment bond between caregiver and child was first understood as a generalised conditional response to the satisfying of the child's biological needs by the caregiver (Novak & Harlow, 1975). However, it was subsequently demonstrated that psychological needs such as comfort were more important than biological needs in the formation of attachment (Novak et al., 1975). This demonstrates that whilst learning theory is often parsimonious, its reduction of complex behaviour to simple contingencies can sometimes be erroneous. The behavioural perspective does propose that the abnormal reinforcement and punishment of behaviour related to developmental processes will result in psychopathology (Davison & Neale, 2001). For instance, in the development of anorexia nervosa self-control behaviour (e.g. diet restriction) is frequently positively reinforced by parents and others and reflecting the cultural value placed on thinness (Strober, 2004). However, this behavioural mechanism whilst explaining the maintenance of restricting behaviour does not ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now