Motivation and the Goal Theory of Current Concerns

A Neural Model of Mind Wandering

“…8 The probability of engaging in task-unrelated thoughts (or mind wandering) increases when the perceived attractiveness of internal processing exceeds that of actively solving the task ( Figure 1, bottom right). This might happen, for example, when thoughts turn to a pressing, subjectively important issue (e.g., a "current concern" [35]) or when motivation has declined due to prolonged exposure to a monotonous task. In this way, the concentration on an internal goal during mind wandering is similar to the concentration on an external experimental goal in the on-task state.…”

A critical review of the literature on attentional bias in cocaine use disorder and suggestions for future research.

“…Similarly, while Liu et al (2011) reported stronger cocaine AB in general among cocaine dependent individuals as compared to healthy controls, among the cocaine dependent participants, AB was stronger among treatment seekers. Current concerns theory (Klinger & Cox, 2011) more readily accounts for these findings than incentive-sensitization theory, however findings from several studies support incentive-sensitization as an theoretical framework for substance-related AB, as well (Franken, 2003). At this time, there is support for both theories and a lack of definitive evidence to conclude that either theory explains the majority of findings in this area (Field & Cox, 2008).…”

“…An alternative to incentive-sensitization as a theoretical framework underlying AB is current concerns theory (Klinger & Cox, 2011). In the context of AB, current concerns theory would predict that any substance related goal (i.e., to seek/use or to avoid substances), not only appetitive drives, could lead to AB.…”

Meditation-induced bliss viewed as release from conditioned neural (thought) patterns that block reward signals in the brain pleasure center

“…It is now reasonably well established that the content of undirected thinking and dreams is predominantly associated, directly or indirectly, with the particular individual's pursuit of goals (Baird, Smallwood, & Schooler, 2011;Hoelscher, Klinger, & Barta, 1981;Klinger, 1978Klinger, , 1990Klinger, , 2009Klinger & Cox, 2011;Nikles, Brecht, Klinger, & Bursell, 1998;Smallwood, Brown, Baird, & Schooler, 2012;Stawarczyk, Majerus, Maj, Van der Linden, & D'Argembeau, 2011), which is readily activated in the presence of goal-related cues. It would be surprising if such cues filled the mind with goal-related content that was not helpful in the individual's pursuit of his or her goals.…”