The role of cognitive factors in cue reactivity: extinction on demand

Cue reactivity measures have become common in addictions research for their apparent objectivity. We used an analog paradigm to examine whether such measures are subject to impression management. Students with conditioned reactions of salivation to the sight and smell of a lemon were assigned to a control group, an experimental group asked to reduce salivation, or an experimental group asked to reduce salivation and promised a reward if successful. Both experimental groups reduced salivation more than the control group; the group rewarded for reduction reduced salivation more than the group that was only asked to do so. This suggests that cue reactivity measures can be manipulated by research participants or clients in treatment. Suggestions for research and implications for treatment are addressed.