Abstract:
Popular stereotypes of addiction emphasize loss of free will, sometimes based on irresistible urges. The recently popular “brain disease” theory of addiction likewise emphasizes on the inability to stop using despite wanting to quit. This talk reviews a massive literature indicating that free will remains intact among cigarette smokers — instead, changes occur in automatic processes and desires. Moreover, it proposes a new dimension for addiction theory, namely the distinction between process and outcome, which may have separate affects on addictive behavior. Improved understanding of addiction may require replacing the long-running quest for a single formula with a pluralistic framework.
Biography:
Roy F. Baumeister is one of the world’s most prolific and influential psychologists. He has published over 700 scientific works, including over 40 books. In 2013, he received the highest award given by the Association for Psychological Science, the William James Fellow award, in recognition of his lifetime achievements. He is currently president-elect of the International Positive Psychology Association and has ties to the University of Queensland (Australia), Florida State University (USA), and the University of Bamberg (Germany).
Although Roy made his name with laboratory research, his recognition extends beyond the narrow confines of academia. His 2011 book Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength (with John Tierney) was a New York Times bestseller. He has appeared on television shows such as Dateline NBC and ABC’s 20/20, as well as on PBS, National Public Radio, and countless local news shows. His work has been covered or quoted in the The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Economist, Newsweek, TIME, Psychology Today, Self, Men’s Health, Businessweek, and many other outlets.
