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Related Experiment Videos

Goal activation, expectations, and the placebo effect.

Andrew L Geers1, Paul E Weiland, Kristin Kosbab

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390, USA. ageers@utnet.utoledo.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|September 16, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Motivation significantly influences the placebo effect. When individuals have goals aligning with placebo expectations, the placebo effect is amplified, impacting various symptoms and expectations.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Current placebo effect theories often overlook motivational factors.
  • Understanding the psychological underpinnings of the placebo effect is crucial for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of motivational factors in the placebo effect.
  • To test the hypothesis that nonconscious goals moderate placebo responses.

Main Methods:

  • Five experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between goal activation and placebo effects.
  • Diverse goal activation techniques and symptom domains were employed.

Main Results:

  • Motivational factors, specifically goal congruence with placebo expectations, significantly moderated the placebo effect.

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  • This effect was observed across positive and negative placebo expectations and various measurement methods.

    • Conclusions:

    • Motivational factors, particularly nonconscious goals, play a critical role in the placebo effect.
    • Future theories of the placebo effect should integrate motivational influences to provide a more comprehensive understanding.