BEHAVIORS: Intermittent Reinforcement

[BPDFamily.com]

Intermittent Reinforcement

In behaviorism, Intermittent Reinforcement is a conditioning schedule in which a reward or punishment (reinforcement) is not administered every time the desired response is performed. This differs from continuous reinforcement which is when the organism receives the reinforcement every time the desired response is performed. For example, on a continuous reinforcement schedule a mouse who pulls a lever would receive food (reinforcement) every single time it pulled the lever. On an intermittent reinforcement schedule the mouse would only receive food every few times (it is typically random and unpredictable). There is an increased likelihood the desired behavior will continue with intermittent reinforcement conditioning and the behavior lasts longer than continuous reinforcement. Gambling is an example of intermittent reinforcement. You don't win every time or win the same amount when using a slot machine- this wouldn't be exciting or fun. The reinforcement is intermittent and causes a positive and euphoric response in the brain that in some circumstances can lead to gambling addiction.

So JoannaK told someone in one of the posts to google intermittent reinforcement, so I thought, yeah, that would be interesting to see and read about.  

[gingie]

Intermittent Reinforcement

In behaviorism, Intermittent Reinforcement is a conditioning schedule in which a reward or punishment (reinforcement) is not administered every time the desired response is performed. This differs from continuous reinforcement which is when the organism receives the reinforcement every time the desired response is performed. For example, on a continuous reinforcement schedule a mouse who pulls a lever would receive food (reinforcement) every single time it pulled the lever. On an intermittent reinforcement schedule the mouse would only receive food every few times (it is typically random and unpredictable). There is an increased likelihood the desired behavior will continue with intermittent reinforcement conditioning and the behavior lasts longer than continuous reinforcement. Gambling is an example of intermittent reinforcement. You don't win every time or win the same amount when using a slot machine- this wouldn't be exciting or fun. The reinforcement is intermittent and causes a positive and euphoric response in the brain that in some circumstances can lead to gambling addiction.

So JoannaK told someone in one of the posts to google intermittent reinforcement, so I thought, yeah, that would be interesting to see and read about.  

[Robert123]

Intermittent reinforcement is something I had only read about in school. After escaping a dating relationship with a BPD, I have come to respect the power of it. I had no experience dealing with this type of person and wasn't prepared for the volatility of a relationship like this. What an education it has been. Intermittent reinforcement is why gambling is so lucrative for the casino's. They don't have to pay off every time to keep someone hooked. It is very effective.  Since studying this disorder and its accompanying traits I can see now how I was operating under the spell of BPD. Whew! that was a close one.       

[NewLifeforHGG]

If any fool guy tried this with me they would find me suddenly unavailable... forever. I can not stand game playing. I do not think Cap'n was ever playing games. He is disordered. To actively do this 'technique' for dating is stupid. It robs ':)oug and Co' from ever finding a sincere relationship. I think these game/book reading types are easy to spot.

I think it is pathetic. Who would want some dufus who referred to Suave.com for dating advice. 

Doug can shove his lever up his suave.

[Vincent]

I've thought the same thing.

Funny thing is, I talked to my exbf that I had been with for 7 years prior to meeting my BP and have told him most of the behaviors and exchanges that went on between the BP and myself and he was astonished that I would have ever put up with any of it... .that that is not the girl he has known all along. I have to agree with him too... .I'm a tough cookie, but this relationship brought me to my knees.  Abuse; verbal, emotional, pyschological, or physical is a killer ,no doubt about it.

It's just what I tell myself everyday. Now I wish I was not as tough cookie with previous sane gf. The world is unfair.

[Karma Police]

I read this guys website the other day and nearly   .  Bad news.  It's like a BPD manual for manipulations.  Actually, my BPD had a lot of books about reading people, and how to tell if people are lying, and he even had a tome titled "The Art of Seduction" which read like ":)angerous Liason".

Bad news... .very bad news.

[acd]

I just read this guy's website and the ads for his books on how to seduce "women."

Actually, these techniques look ideal for attracting women with severe BPD! 

Go get 'em, guys!

[JoannaK]

We have to be careful not to fall into a relationship pattern where we are hooked on the occasional exceptionally good times interspersed among a lot of empty or bad times.