Impaired control in addiction involves cognitive distortions and unreliable self-control, not compulsive desires and overwhelmed self-control

The Incentive-Sensitization Theory of Addiction 30 Years On

The incentive-sensitization theory (IST) of addiction was first published in 1993, proposing that (a) brain mesolimbic dopamine systems mediate incentive motivation ("wanting") for addictive drugs and other rewards, but not their hedonic impact (liking) when consumed; and (b) some individuals are vulnerable to drug-induced long-lasting sensitization of mesolimbic systems, which selectively amplifies their "wanting" for drugs without increasing their liking of the same drugs. Here we describe the origins of IST and evaluate its status 30 years on. We compare IST to other theories of addiction, including opponent-process theories, habit theories of addiction, and prefrontal cortical dysfunction theories of impaired impulse control. We also address critiques of IST that have been raised over the years, such as whether craving is important in addiction and whether addiction can ever be characterized as compulsive. Finally, we discuss several contemporary phenomena, including the potential role of incentive sensitization in behavioral addictions, the emergence of addiction-like dopamine dysregulation syndrome in medicated Parkinson's patients, the role of attentional capture and approach tendencies, and the role of uncertainty in incentive motivation.

The role of cognitive distortion in criminal behavior: a systematic literature review

The complex link between cognitive distortions (CDs) and criminal behavior is explored in this systematic literature review, with particular attention paid to typologies, contributions to criminal behavior, and correlations with different forms of crime. The review includes 25 studies that met rigorous inclusion criteria and were sourced from Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect, PubMed, and PubMed Central (PMC). The selected research, which was published between 2019 and 2024, focuses on the link between CD and criminal conduct. This review reveals the relationship between CDs and criminal activity, emphasizing how these distortions have significant consequences on the actions of offenders. The findings suggest that CDs not only induce unlawful conduct but also have distinct impacts on various kinds of offenses. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding CDs in criminal conduct, providing insights into prevention strategies, rehabilitation programs, and therapy interventions. It offers an extensive overview of the significant role that CDs play in influencing criminal behavior at a time when efficient crime prevention and rehabilitation programs are essential. Through illuminating the complex relationships between CDs and criminal conduct, this research provides useful information for mental health practitioners and rehabilitation facilities. Beyond the realm of academia, the implications enable the creation of focused therapies that target certain CDs common to individuals convicted of crimes. Ultimately, this synthesis of research findings is a valuable resource for informing evidence-based methods to reduce recidivism and improve societal well-being.

Cognitive Distortions as Barriers to Seeking Smoking Cessation Treatment: A Comparative Study

Background/Objectives: Despite the availability of effective pharmacotherapy and evidence-based treatments, a substantial proportion of smokers do not seek treatment. This study aims to explore the cognitive distortions associated with not seeking evidence-based smoking cessation treatment and to identify cognitive barriers. Methods: The research conducted in Istanbul between October and December 2017 employs a cross-sectional design and includes two groups: a treatment-seeking group comprising 156 patients diagnosed with tobacco use disorder and a non-treatment seeking group of 78 patients with tobacco use disorder who had never sought professional help for smoking cessation. A comprehensive data collection process was used, including sociodemographic information, cognitive distortion assessment using the cognitive distortions scale, a smoking-related cognitive distortions interview and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Results: While no significant sociodemographic differences were observed between the treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking groups, the study found that higher nicotine dependence was associated with a higher likelihood of seeking treatment. The treatment-seeking group displayed significantly higher levels of "all-or-nothing thinking" cognitive distortions related to smoking and smoking cessation. Conversely, the non-treatment-seeking group exhibited elevated levels of cognitive distortions such as "labeling", "mental filtering", "should statements" and "minimizing the positive" regarding receiving smoking cessation treatment. Conclusions: Understanding the cognitive distortions associated with treatment-seeking behavior for tobacco use disorder is crucial for developing targeted public-based interventions, public service announcements for tobacco use prevention and encouraging individuals to seek evidence-based treatment. Addressing these cognitive distortions can also potentially enhance the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs and reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases and mortality.

School Burnout and Mind Wandering among Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Internet Addiction and the Moderating Role of Resilience

School burnout is a worldwide issue that affects adolescents at every academic level. Despite the significant impact of this issue on adolescents' mental health and academic performance, few studies have examined its influence on mind wandering and its underlying mechanisms. This research endeavors to address this knowledge gap by examining the mediating role of Internet addiction in the relationship between school burnout and mind wandering and the moderating role of resilience among 2329 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.9 years, SD = 1.73) through an online questionnaire assessment. Participants completed measures of school burnout, Internet addiction, resilience, and mind wandering, which were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS 23.0 and Mplus 8.0. Results demonstrated that school burnout was positively linked with mind wandering, while Internet addiction mediated this relationship. Additionally, resilience moderated the association between Internet addiction and mind wandering. These findings significantly improve our comprehension of the consequences of mind wandering and offer valuable insights into possible intervention approaches for adolescents experiencing this phenomenon.

Social Support and Drug Abstention Motivation among Chinese Male Drug Addicts: A Moderated Mediation Model of Self-Control and Sensation-Seeking

The goal of this study is to examine how social support affects Chinese male drug addicts’ abstention motivation. To elucidate the mechanism as well as the boundary condition of the aforesaid influence, self-control and sensation-seeking were induced. Using the questionnaire method, the cross-sectional data were collected from 498 male drug addicts from one hospital and four compulsory isolation drug abstention centers in Central China region. The results indicated that social support has a positive direct and indirect effect on abstention motivation. The indirect influence is that the impact of social support on abstention motivation is mediated by self-control. The direct effect was moderated by sensation-seeking. Specifically, for individuals with low sensation-seeking, social support can significantly increase drug abstinence motivation, but this effect was not significant for those with high sensation-seeking. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed.