Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Wiederaufleben / Español: Resurgimiento / Português: Ressurgimento / Français: Résurgence / Italiano: Riapparizione

Resurgence in the psychology context refers to the reappearance of a previously extinguished behaviour when a more recent behaviour, initially reinforced, is no longer rewarded. This phenomenon is often studied in the fields of behavioural psychology and learning theory, particularly in relation to reinforcement and extinction processes.

Description

In psychology, resurgence is a behavioural phenomenon that occurs when an individual reverts to an earlier behaviour in response to the cessation of reinforcement for a newer behaviour. It reflects the persistence of learned behaviours and the way reinforcement histories influence decision-making.

For example:

• A child who was previously rewarded for saying "please" may revert to whining when "please" no longer results in a desired outcome.
• A person who quit smoking may resume the habit during stressful times if alternative coping mechanisms fail to provide relief.

Stages of Resurgence:

1. Original Behaviour: A behaviour is learned and reinforced.
2. Extinction: Reinforcement for the original behaviour is removed, leading to its decline.
3. New Behaviour: A replacement behaviour is introduced and reinforced.
4. Resurgence: If the new behaviour also stops being reinforced, the original behaviour may reappear.

Resurgence demonstrates how behavioural patterns can be reactivated under certain conditions and has significant implications for therapy, habit formation, and behavioural modification.

Application Areas

1. Behavioural Therapy: Understanding resurgence helps therapists anticipate setbacks in habit-change efforts, such as in addiction recovery.
2. Education: Teachers can use insights into resurgence to manage classroom behaviours by reinforcing desired actions consistently.
3. Animal Training: Trainers consider resurgence when teaching new behaviours and phasing out old ones.
4. Workplace Psychology: Employers may address employee behaviours that resurface due to changes in incentives or rewards.
5. Developmental Psychology: Studying resurgence sheds light on how children adapt to changes in reinforcement patterns.

Well-Known Examples

• Relapse in Addiction: Former addicts may revert to substance use if their new coping strategies lose effectiveness or reinforcement.
• Extinguished Phobias: A previously treated phobia, like fear of flying, may resurface during a stressful period.
• Classroom Management: A student who stops interrupting after being reinforced for raising their hand may interrupt again if attention shifts away from reinforcing hand-raising.

Risks and Challenges

1. Relapse Risks: Resurgence often explains why relapses occur in addiction or behaviour change efforts.
2. Mismanagement of Reinforcement: Inconsistent reinforcement can lead to frustration and unintended resurgence of undesired behaviours.
3. Emotional Toll: Resurgence may evoke feelings of failure or frustration, especially in individuals striving for behaviour change.
4. Complexity in Modification: Preventing resurgence requires careful planning and monitoring of reinforcement schedules.

Similar Terms

• Extinction: The reduction or disappearance of a learned behaviour when reinforcement is no longer provided.
• Relapse: The return of a problematic behaviour, similar to resurgence but often used in addiction contexts.
• Spontaneous Recovery: The sudden reappearance of a previously extinguished behaviour without additional reinforcement.
• Operant Conditioning: A learning process that involves reinforcement and punishment to shape behaviours.

Summary

In psychology, resurgence describes the return of a previously extinguished behaviour when newer behaviours fail to produce rewards. It highlights the persistence of learned behaviours and the influence of reinforcement history, offering critical insights into behavioural therapy, habit formation, and relapse prevention.

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