Intermittent Reinforcement

Coping Behavior

Behavioral CopingMaladaptive Coping

negative valencehigh arousal

Description

The delivery of rewards (affection, validation) on an unpredictable schedule to create addiction/dependency.

Physiological Effects

High dopamine spikes followed by cortisol crashes; addiction-like withdrawal

Reflection Tip

Am I staying because it is good, or because I am waiting for the "good" moment to return?

De-escalation Tip

Recognize the pattern; seek consistent, stable connections.

Associated Emotion Triggers (6)

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