An investigation into the relationship between attentional bias and the perceived pleasantness of smoking-related stimuli

Abstract

The first aim of the literature review is to explore current theories of addiction which consider the relationship between drug-related stimuli and drug use.  The second aim of this review is to consider the relevant empirical research and, in particular, focus on the potential role of attentional bias and valence towards drug-related cues.  The majority of the literature suggests that the drug-related cues are perceived as pleasant and attract attention (Mogg, Bradley, Field & De Houwer, 2003); however, some drug-related cues can also be perceived as unpleasant (Mutcha, Geier & Pauli, 1999). Therefore, there may be a dissociation between attentional bias and valence (Robinson & Berridge, 1993; 2001).  The role of attentional bias and the perceived pleasantness of drug-related cues is one area which could further develop psychologists’ understanding of the mechanisms through which drug-related cues influence behaviour and inform clinical practice.

The empirical paper investigates whether the perceived pleasantness of different types of smoking-related cues influence smokers’ attentional bias towards drug-related cues.  Results of the study show that smoking-related cues hold attention (at 2000 ms, not 200 ms in a visual probe task) and elicit approach behaviours (stimulus response compatibility task), irrespective of their valence. These findings are consistent with Robinson and Berridge’s (1993; 2001) incentive-sensitisation theory of addiction, which suggests that there is a dissociation between ‘wanting’ and ‘liking’, in which attentional and approach biases for drug-related cues are independent of cue valence.

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