ABSTRACT

This chapter suggests that process known in psychological theory as conditioning which offers a simple though incomplete account of the process by which initial reactions become changed. One of the first educational efforts of the parent and teacher is directed towards diverting the tendency into other channels. This "sublimation" of anger is regarded as one of the most valuable products of education and much has been written concerning the triumphs of individual and social enterprise which have their roots in anger. Fighting, or at least an angry push is recognized as the reaction to be expected from a child who is thus thwarted. The original unconditioned fear stimulus provided by the loud noise became associated with the rabbit presented at the same time, and on subsequent occasions the sight of the rabbit alone was sufficient to produce the fear reaction.