Approach/avoidance behavior and the breadth of attention

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of approach and avoidance motivation (evoked by particular bodily states) on the breadth of attentional scope. It was hypothesized that the enactment of approach behavior (induced by arm flexion) would broaden, whereas the enactment of avoidance behavior (induced by arm extension) would narrow attentional scope. Both conditions were also compared with neutral condition (with no additional action). Under these conditions subjects performed an attentional task — they had to respond to the dot appearing in one of the 5 positions on the screen (one central and four peripheral, situated on the horizontal line). Longer Reaction Times for the central dot position were observed. Such pattern of results can be caused by an inhibition of return-like (IOR) effect, evoked by the centrally situated fixation cross, disappearing before the exposition of the dot. To rule out this possibility a second study was conducted, using another type of fixation point. ...