Aversive control in humans: The role of verbal processes

Abstract

The opinion put forward in this article is that verbal processes may play a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of aversive control in humans, and can give rise to behaviors that are not predicted by traditional behavioranalytic theories. For example, behavior can be controlled by aversive consequences that have never been contacted. These verbal processes may play a key role in some psychopathologies, such as phobias and anxiety. The basic research on this topic – although limited – is supportive, but more studies are needed to fully explore this important area.