B. F. Skinner e o uso do controle aversivo: um estudo conceitual / B. F. Skinner and the use of aversive control: a conceptual study

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) é frequentemente citado como representante de um posicionamento contrário ao uso de controle aversivo. Entretanto, observa-se certa divergência, na literatura comportamental, quanto à postura de Skinner a esse respeito. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e analisar em quais momentos Skinner prescreve ou adverte sobre o uso do controle aversivo. Um estudo conceitual foi realizado, no qual oito obras (Skinner 1938/1991; 1948/1975; 1953/1989; 1968/1972; 1969/1980; 1971; 1974/2006; 1989) foram analisadas conforme as categorias: 1) a definição de controle aversivo e conceitos envolvidos; 2) os aspectos negativos do controle aversivo e proibições; e 3) os aspectos positivos do controle aversivo e prescrições. Por fim, não foi possível encontrar uma definição específica de controle aversivo, e constatou-se que em determinados momentos Skinner justifica o uso deste tipo de controle, mas não o prescreve genericamente.

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) is frequently cited as having a contrary position on the use of aversive control. However, in certain passages Skinner presents a more flexible opinion about the use of this type of behavioral control. The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyze the passages where Skinner prescribes or warns about such use. A conceptual study was conducted involving eight Skinner works (Skinner 1938/1991, 1948/1975, 1953/1989, 1968/1972, 1969/1980, 1971, 1974/2006, 1989), analyzed according to the following categories: 1) the definition of aversive control and concepts involved; 2) the negative aspects of aversive control and prohibitions; and 3) the positive aspects of aversive control and its recommendations. It wasn't possible to find a specific definition of aversive control and it was observed that at certain moments Skinner justifies the use of aversive control, but does not prescribe it in general.

Role of the cardiac nerve in the adaptive changes of heart rate in response to an aversive stimulus in Megalobulimus mogianensis

The effect of an aversive stimulus represented by contact with a hot plate on the heart rate of Megalobulimus mogianensis was evaluated with electrocardiogram recording in intact snails (N = 8). All stimulated animals showed an increase in heart rate, with mean values ranging from 35.6 ± 1.2 (basal heart rate) to 43.8 ± 0.9 bpm (post-stimulation heart rate). The cardioacceleration was followed by gradual recovery of the basal heart rate, with mean recovery times varying from 4.3 ± 0.3 to 5.8 ± 0.6 min. Repetition of the stimulus did not affect the magnitude of variation nor did it influence the basal heart rate recovery time. To investigate the role of the cardiac nerve in mediating the heart rate alterations induced by the aversive stimulus, denervated (N = 8) and sham-operated (N = 8) animals were also tested. Although the aversive stimulus caused the heart rate to increase significantly in both experimental groups, the mean increase in heart rate in denervated animals (4.4 ± 0.4 bpm) was 57 percent of the value obtained in sham-operated animals (7.7 ± 1.3 bpm), indicating that the cardiac nerve is responsible for 43 percent of the cardioacceleration induced by the aversive stimulus. The cardioacceleration observed in denervated snails may be due to an increase in venous return promoted by the intense muscular activity associated with the withdrawal response. Humoral factors may also be involved. A probable delaying inhibitory effect of the cardiac nerve on the recuperation of the basal heart rate is suggested.