Opponent Process Theory is a psychological and neurological model that was first proposed by Ewald Hering in 1878, and later expanded upon by Richard Solomon and John D. Corbit in the 1970s. The theory seeks to explain a variety of perceptual, emotional, and motivational phenomena through the concept of opposing pairs of neural processes or mechanisms. It has been applied to various fields, including color vision, emotion, and addiction.
In the context of color vision, Hering’s original theory postulates that the human visual system processes color information through opposing pairs of color receptors: red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white. These pairs of receptors work in opposition to each other, so that when one color is stimulated, its opposite is inhibited. This explains why certain color combinations, such as red and green or blue and yellow, are perceived as more distinct and vivid compared to other combinations.
In the realm of emotion and motivation, Solomon and Corbit’s extension of the theory focuses on the dynamic balance between two opposing emotional states, often referred to as the “A-process” and “B-process.” The A-process represents the primary emotional or physiological response to a stimulus, while the B-process is a secondary, opposing response that counteracts the A-process over time. According to the theory, the B-process is slower to develop and dissipate than the A-process, leading to a variety of psychological phenomena.
For example, in the case of drug addiction, the initial pleasurable effects of a drug (A-process) are eventually followed by a counteracting negative state (B-process), such as withdrawal or cravings. Over time, the intensity of the B-process may increase, leading to a decrease in the pleasurable effects of the drug and a stronger drive to continue using it in order to avoid the negative consequences.
The Opponent Process Theory has been influential in shaping our understanding of various perceptual, emotional, and motivational processes. It provides a useful framework for exploring the complex interplay between neural mechanisms and the resulting psychological experiences. Although the theory may not account for all aspects of these phenomena, it remains an important and foundational contribution to the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science.
