Approach-Avoidance Training: Exploring the Role of Action Identification Processes

Abstract

Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) aims to modify evaluations and behaviors towards specific stimuli through repetitive engagement in approach and avoidance behaviors. The current research investigates whether training conditions that promote action identification at the level of approach-avoidance movements, rather than at the level of behavioral actions effecting these movements, are more effective in changing evaluative reactions towards fictitious social groups. In two experiments (total N = 411), participants directed a computerized manikin, symbolizing the self, towards one group and away from another. Following the training, participants liked the approached group more than the avoided group in both explicit and indirect attitude measures. These changes in liking were not influenced by training conditions that enabled consistent key presses throughout the task (facilitating action identification at the motoric level) and those that necessitated alternating key presses (promoting action identification at the approach-avoidance level). Furthermore, changes in liking were unrelated to changes in AA-related response tendencies as assessed with a separate response task. It is concluded that the manikin task utilized for AAT is robust against task variants that facilitate action identification at the motor level, especially when the training instructions are clear about which stimuli should be approached and avoided. Insights for the practical application of AAT are discussed.