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Mechanisms underlying effects of approach-avoidance training on stimulus evaluation
Pieter Van Dessel1, Andreas B Eder2, Sean Hughes1
1Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University.
Summary
Performing approach and avoidance (AA) actions changes stimulus evaluation. This study shows effects stem from cognitive inferences and action goals, not just motivational systems, challenging existing theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Repeated approach and avoidance (AA) actions influence stimulus evaluation.
- The dominant motivational-systems account attributes this to rewiring associations with AA systems.
- Alternative inferential and common-coding accounts propose different mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test three competing accounts of how AA actions alter stimulus evaluation.
- To differentiate between motivational, inferential, and common-coding explanations.
- To investigate the role of action goals versus distance regulation.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted to test competing theories.
- Experiments 1-3 involved performing valenced actions (e.g., manikin movement) unrelated to distance.
- Experiment 4 involved passively observing AA movements.
Main Results:
- Evaluative changes occurred based on the goal's valence, not movement direction (toward/away).
- Results contradicted the motivational-systems account.
- Passive observation of movements also induced evaluative changes, supporting inference.
Conclusions:
- Stimulus evaluation changes are driven by cognitive inferences and the valence of action goals.
- The findings challenge the traditional motivational-systems account of AA effects.
- Cognitive inference provides a more comprehensive explanation for observed phenomena.
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