Role of Stimulus Generalization in the Treatment of Alcoholism

Abstract

7 avoidance and 6 escape Ss were conditioned to an alcoholic beverage and administered the Rotter internal vs external locus of control of reinforcement test. 23 Ss, all patients at the Sepulveda V.A. Hospital, were tested for generalized conditioned anxiety in reaction to other alcoholic beverages after acquisition and extinction procedures. Results (χ3) showed significant generalization for all experimental Ss combined in extinction who externalized their locus of control of reinforcement.