Self-deprivation: A review.

Self-deprivation refers to the neglect of substances or conditions necessary for normal biological functioning in some self-stimulating rats. The question of whether this phenomenon is due to a disruption of normal regulatory mechanisms or represents the choice of one particularly powerful reward over others is considered. The characteristics of self-deprivation are discussed in relation to alternative reward, the number and length of testing periods, deprivation level, and the role of the stimulation site. Theories of self-deprivation that focus on hunger reduction/satiety induction, priming, and reward are reviewed. It is concluded that none of the hypotheses can account for all the data, but that the reward hypothesis of self-deprivation is most consistent with the available evidence. The reward hypothesis states that rats choose brain stimulation over food or water because of the greater reward value of the brain stimulation. (56 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)