Human Factors Psychology Commons^™

Nonconscious Motivational Influences On Cognitive Processes In Addictive Behaviors, Eric Klinger, W. Miles Cox, Javad S. Fadardi

Psychology Publications

This chapter presents the motivational and goal theory of current concerns in relation to addiction and choice. A current concern is an individual’s motivational state from the point of becoming committed to pursuing a particular goal until the goal is reached or the pursuit is relinquished. During this time, the current concern guides the person’s cognitive processes, including attention, memory, thoughts, and dreams. What is true of goals in general is true of the goal of drinking alcohol or using another addictive substance. We hold that the decision to use a substance is voluntary; thus, the choice to use is …