Hostname: page-component-76d6cb85b7-xh428 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-07-15T14:39:53.368Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Aspiration fuels willpower: Evidence from the addiction literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 April 2021

Gene M. Heyman Open the ORCID record for Gene M. Heyman [Opens in a new window]
Gene M. Heyman*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. heymang@bc.edu; https://geneheyman.com/wordpress/
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Ainslie identifies two possible motivational sources for resolve: “thinking categorically” and “intertemporal bargaining.” Ainslie opts for intertemporal bargaining, adding that thinking categorically has no motivational power. The most researched instance of willpower is remission from addiction. This literature shows that aspirations for a more desirable identity and comfortable lifestyle motivate remission. In other words, “thinking categorically” drives willpower.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 44 , 2021 , e39
Check for updates
Creative Commons
The target article and response article are works of the U.S. Government and are not subject to copyright protection in the United States.
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Biernacki, P. (1986). Pathways from heroin addiction: Recovery without treatment. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.Google Scholar
Fletcher, R., & Mayle, P. (1990). Dangerous candy. London: Sinclair-Stevenson.Google Scholar
Hanson, B. (1985). Life with heroin: Voices from the inner city. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.Google Scholar
Herrnstein, R. J., & Prelec, D. (1992). A theory of addiction. In Loewenstein, G. & Elster, J. (Eds.), Choice over time (pp. 331–360). New York: Russell Sage Foundation.Google Scholar
Heyman, G. M. (2009). Addiction: A disorder of choice. Harvard University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Heyman, G. M., & Gibb, S. P. (2006). Delay discounting in college cigarette chippers. Behavioural Pharmacology, 17(8), 669–679. http://dx.doi.org.proxy.bc.edu/10.1097/FBP.0b013e3280116cfe.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Jorquez, J. S. (1983). The retirement phase of heroin using careers. Journal of Drug Issues, 13, 343–365.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kirby, K. N., Petry, N. M., & Bickel, W. K. (1999). Heroin addicts have higher discount rates for delayed rewards than non-drug-using controls. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 128(1), 78–87. http://dx.doi.org.proxy.bc.edu/10.1037/0096-3445.128.1.78.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Premack, D. (1970). Mechanisms of self-control. In Hunt, W. A. (Ed.), Learning mechanisms in smoking (pp. 107–123). Chicago: Aldine.Google Scholar