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The temporal structure of motivation. V. A within-episodes analysis of priming and provocation.

Rats provided with chronic, continuous access to intracranial self-stimulation (ICS) exhibit discrete episodic response patterns. Response episodes under two conditions were examined for systematic trends in the spacing of times between successive responses (interresponse times; IRTs) to better identify the motivational bases of ICS. Three trends were observed in self-initiated and experimenter-provoked episodes. First, initial responses of spontaneous episodes typically had declining interresponse times. Second, this trend was not present when responses were provoked rather than spontaneous. Third, absolute times between responses varied across conditions, with provoked behavior having significantly lower initial IRTs. The findings suggest that for spontaneously initiated responding a transient facilitatory process cumulates at the beginning of ICS episodes. For provoked responding, it is possible that a manipulation which increased the initial probability of responding over time may have done so by maximizing an initial phasic priming process. At their onset, spontaneous and provoked episodes may be characterized by quantitatively differing motivational profiles.

Animals↗

Histaminergic systems of the limbic complex on learning and motivation.

The possible role of histamine sensitive sites in hippocampus and the nucleus accumbens on memory and exploratory motivation was studied. As a model of memory, the learning of an active avoidance response to an ultrasonic tone anticipating an electric shock was used. As a model of motivation, an elevated asymmetric plus-maze with arms differing in the presence or absence of walls (APM) was used. All rats were implanted with microinjection cannulae into the ventral, dorsal hippocampus or the nucleus accumbens. Animals were stimulated with histamine, with or without histamine receptor antagonists 5 min before training trials in memory or exploration tests in the APM. Results show that histamine in ventral hippocampus inhibits evocation, impairing the efficiency of learning (37.5+/-6.5 vs. 75+/-5.2% of accumulated conditioning responses; histamine vs. saline, P<0.01). This inhibitory action was blocked by pyrilamine (H(1)-histamine receptor antagonist) but not by ranitidine (H(2)-histamine receptor antagonist). In dorsal hippocampus no significant inhibitory effect due to histamine stimulation was observed. In the APM, histamine in the nucleus accumbens increased exploration of the fear-inducing arms (45+/-12 vs. 16+/-8 counts per 5 min; histamine vs. saline, P<0.01) and also increased the emotionality index. These effects were blocked by both histamine receptor antagonists. In conclusion, data suggest a modulating role for histamine in learning and motivation/emotionality processes in the rat brain.

Animals↗

Motivational state determines the functional role of the mesolimbic dopamine system in the mediation of opiate reward processes.

We have previously reported that mesolimbic dopamine (DA) substrates are critically involved in the rewarding effects of opiates only during states of opiate-dependence and withdrawal. However, in previously drug-naive animals, opiate reward is mediated through a DA-independent neural system. In the present study, we report that bilateral microinjections of a DA receptor antagonist, alpha-flupenthixol (0.3-3 microg/0.5 microl) into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), blocks morphine reward (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in opiate-withdrawn animals, but not in opiate-naive animals, suggesting that accumbal dopamine receptors are required for opiate reward signaling in drug-deprived motivational states. Next, the role of dopamine was examined in the development of opiate dependence and somatic withdrawal, and expression of withdrawal aversions. Pretreatment with alpha-flupenthixol (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) before morphine injections during the development of opiate dependence did not effect expression of withdrawal aversions or the expression of somatic withdrawal. We have previously reported that pretreatment with a dopamine receptor antagonist, alpha-flupenthixol, blocks the aversive effects of opiate withdrawal. We now report that pretreatment with a direct dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine (1.0-5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) before conditioning in a state of withdrawal, also blocks the aversive effects of opiate withdrawal. We propose that the aversive motivational effects of opiate withdrawal may be mediated by a specific dopaminergic neuronal signal.

Animals↗

Enhancing motivation for change in treatment-resistant eating disorders.

Denial and resistance to change are prominent features in most patients with anorexia nervosa. The egosyntonic quality of symptoms can contribute to inaccuracy in self-report, avoidance of treatment, difficulties in establishing a therapeutic relationship, and high rates of attrition and relapse. Individuals with bulimia nervosa are typically more motivated to recover, but often ambivalent about forfeiting the ideal of slenderness and the protective functions of binge-purge behavior. Few attempts have been made to assess denial and resistance in the eating disorders, or to examine alternative strategies for enhancing motivation to change. Review of the clinical literature indicates a striking convergence of recommendations across conceptually distinct treatment approaches. Clinicians are encouraged to acquire a frame of reference that can help them understand the private experience of individuals with eating disorders, empathize with their distress at the prospect of weight gain, and acknowledge the difficulty of change. The Socratic method seems particularly well-suited to work with this population because of its emphasis on collaboration, openness, curiosity, patience, focused and systematic inquiry, and individual discovery. Four themes are crucial in engaging reluctant eating-disordered clients in therapy: the provision of psychoeducational material, an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of symptoms, the explicit use of experimental strategies, and an exploration of personal values.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Vocabularies of motive for illicit steroid use among bodybuilders.

Illicit steroid use, for purposes of performance and physique enhancement, is widely deemed unnecessary, wrong and dangerous. Such activity would appear especially foolhardy when engaged in by non-professional athletes who otherwise adhere to 'healthy' exercise regimens. Here a gap exists between many illicit steroid users' actions and societal expectations. Using qualitative data generated in South Wales, this paper explores bodybuilders' vocabularies of motive for illicit steroid use. These accounts which justified, rather than excused, steroid use were predominant during question situations between the participant observer and the researched. In supporting the fundamental tenets of their drug subculture, and as part of the underlying negotiation of self-identity, respondents espoused three main justifications for their own and/or other bodybuilders' illicit steroid use; namely: self-fulfilment accounts, condemnation of condemners and a denial of injury. Here steroid use was rationalised as a legitimate means to an end, observers passing negative judgements were rejected and it was claimed steroids do not (seriously) harm the user's health or threaten society more generally. These vocabularies of motive, acquired and honoured within bodybuilding settings, comprise a complex of subjective meanings which seem to the actor to be an adequate ground for the conduct in question. Similar to other sociological studies, this paper states that it is imperative to explore the social meanings which illicit drug users attach to their 'risk' practices. Without these understandings, researchers and health promoters may struggle to appreciate fully why illicit drug users behave as they do.

Attitude to Health↗

The motivation and behaviour of hospital Trusts.

This paper explores the motivation and behaviour of hospitals, using data from UK hospital Trusts. Managers and consultants (hospital specialists) are identified as the main alternative sources of power within Trusts. It is hypothesised that consultants are interested in production or service (volume and quality) while managers are interested primarily in financial break-even, and that in the long run consultants will dominate. A survey of 1500 consultants and managers and a statistical analysis of the behaviour of 100 Trusts over 3 years yielded the empirical results that were largely but not entirely consistent with these hypotheses. Consultants did indeed consider production goals to be more important than financial breakeven, but within those goals, considered quality to be more important than service volume. While the break-even target was found to be the primary goal of managers on average, they proved to be a heterogeneous group with quality ranking as the main priority among those managers who are closest to service delivery. This is at odds with the apparent objective of Trusts, which both groups perceive as being the single-minded pursuit of financial targets, consistent with the formal, government-set requirements. We find that this strong and unequivocal financial driver is not owned or acted upon by either consultants or managers and it is inferred that, in accordance with the dominant motivation of consultants, the Trust's primary objective is to maintain service quality.

Analysis of Variance↗

Attachment dimensions and drinking-related problems among young adults: the mediational role of coping motives.

Recent research has found a positive association between insecure adult attachment styles and harmful drinking patterns. In the present study, we examined the relation between alcohol-related consequences and two dimensions underlying attachment, 'model of self' and 'model of others,' among a population of college student drinkers (N=366). It was predicted that a negative model of self would contribute significantly to the variance in drinking problems over and above that accounted for by level of alcohol consumption. In an attempt to clarify the nature of the relationship among these variables, it was further hypothesized that coping drinking motives would mediate the relationship between the self attachment dimension and alcohol consequences. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed results consistent with the predictions. There was a significant relationship between negative model of self and problems which was fully mediated by coping drinking motives. The findings support the basic theoretical supposition that one primary function of interpersonal attachment is the regulation of emotions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Measuring readiness and motivation to quit smoking among women in public health clinics: predictive validity.

We conducted an independent pilot test of the internal consistency, stability, and predictive validity of the instrument presented by Crittenden, Manfredi, Lacey, Warnecke, and Parsons (1994) using a two-wave panel of female smokers in 12 public health clinics. This instrument subdivides the precontemplation stage proposed by Prochaska and DiClemente into three more distinct stages: not contemplating quitting or cutting down, not contemplating quitting, and not contemplating quitting within 6 months. Findings confirm that the instrument is useful for evaluating movement toward quitting for populations that are largely concentrated in the precontemplative stage. The concurrent and predictive validity of the elaborated stages and the reliability and stability of smoking motivation and confidence indicate that the instrument is sensitive enough to track changes in readiness and motivation across the full readiness continuum.

Adult↗

The role of weight control as a motivation for cocaine abuse.

Heavy use of cocaine and alcohol in female cocaine abusers with eating disorders has been reported, but the prevalence and motivation for concurrent substance use has not been well investigated. This study of 37 female and 40 male cocaine abusers demonstrated that almost half of the women used cocaine and/or alcohol as a weight control measure, and 13% of the males did the same. Thirteen (72%) of 18 females endorsing weight-related use of cocaine had a current diagnosis of an eating disorder. Only two males (5%) had a past history of an eating disorder. Eleven (85%) of those women with a current eating disorder endorsed using alcohol as an appetite suppressant. These findings support the need to evaluate weight control motivation in cocaine users and to provide specific treatment aimed at addressing the interaction between the eating disorder and the substance abuse problem.

Adult↗

Motivational profiles of polysubstance-dependent patients: do they differ from alcohol-dependent patients?

Changing addictive behaviors may be conceptualized as a stage phenomenon consisting of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance stages. Prior research has provided empirical support for the existence of two discrete motivational subtypes of alcohol-dependent patients (i.e., precontemplation and contemplation/action stage patients). The present study attempted to identify similar motivational profiles for polysubstance-dependent patients and to provide empirical support for the validity of these profiles. Results from a sample of polysubstance-dependent VA patients revealed two clusters consistent with precontemplation (n = 62) and contemplation/action stage (n = 71) profiles, similar to findings from alcohol-dependent samples. Although, as expected, contemplation/action stage patients were more likely to complete treatment than were precontemplators, relatively few differences were noted between these two groups on several other theoretically relevant variables. These results suggest that these subtypes may not identify clinically similar types of patients across alcohol- and polysubstance-dependent samples.

Adult↗

[Obstetrical ultrasound screening and motivation to stop smoking].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether ultrasound screening during pregnancy increases the ability to stop or reduce smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter questionnaire study was performed to describe smoking characteristics among pregnant women and evaluate the factors that influence the ability to reduce smoking during pregnancy. Questionnaire-based, descriptive study of 979 pregnant women in four regions of France. The variables analyzed included the characteristics of the mother and neonate at delivery, the smoking habits of the mother before and during pregnancy, and the reasons for giving up smoking. RESULTS: We report only results about ultrasound scan. One third of women, who smoked at the start of pregnancy, reported that ultrasound was a positive tool to enhance motivation to reduce smoking. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound screening may be a positive factor to reduce smoking. Our study focused on motivation could give a tool in this way. However most women who stop smoking during pregnancy do so in the first trimester (84%) mainly before the first ultrasound exam. Thus, the routine ultrasound scan itself does not seem to influence attitudes to stop smoking any further. But it may be included in comprehensive and individualised anti-smoking support.

Adult↗

Brief motivational feedback improves post-incarceration treatment contact among veterans with substance use disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To test the efficacy of providing brief motivational feedback to increase post-incarceration substance use disorders (SUD) treatment contact. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial (feedback vs. control) with a 2-month post-incarceration follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans (N = 73) incarcerated in a county jail system who met SUD diagnostic criteria. MEASURES: Baseline assessment included the Addiction Severity Index, the Form-90 assessment of recent alcohol use, and a DSM-IV SUD criteria checklist. The primary outcome was Veterans Administration (VA) appointments. Secondary outcomes were the Addiction Severity Index-Followup and the Treatment Services Review. INTERVENTION: All participants received baseline assessment. The feedback condition received personalized feedback and encouragement to explore ambivalence about change and treatment in a single interview. RESULTS: Participants receiving feedback were more likely to schedule appointments at a VA addictions clinic within 60 days of their jail release dates (67 vs. 41%; P < 0.03). Though differences were not statistically significant, more feedback participants attended addictions clinic appointments (47 vs. 32%; ns) and were retained in addictions treatment at 90 days (31 vs. 14%; P < 0.08). Treatment appointments were more likely when intervention occurred close to release. Loss of participants to post-release follow-up interviews was >50%, limiting power to detect significant differences by self-report. CONCLUSION: Brief motivational feedback shows promise as a way to link incarcerated individuals to SUD treatment services.

Feedback, Psychological↗

Personal resources, motives and patient education leading to changes in cardiovascular risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of patients' abilities and motivation to reduce their excess morbidity by benefiting from patient education designed to effect such change. The course consisted of a 4 week full-time program and 4 day refresher course 1 year later. The 295 consecutive patients (60%) who returned for the refresher had substantially reduced their overrisk for stroke or coronary heart disease. Personal ability to accomplish the desired change, such as standard of education, was found to be unimportant, whereas motives like having other people dependent on one were deemed important. One reason why resources such as education were found not to be important could be that the course was lengthy, requiring nearly 5 weeks, and practically oriented.

Adult↗

Motivations, satisfaction, and information of immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy.

This study evaluated patients' motivations for, and satisfaction with, the treatment and information of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) with a silicone prosthesis. It studied satisfaction more deeply by relating it to the quality of life, body-image and sexual functioning. Seventy-three patients who received mastectomy, followed by IBR with a subpectoral silicone prosthesis, completed a self-report questionnaire concerning their motivations for, perceived advantages of and satisfaction with IBR, the information received, quality of life, body image, and sexual functioning. Despite the fact that 50% of the reconstructions resulted in complications or complaints, 70% of the women were satisfied with the reconstruction and only 12% would never choose IBR again. Satisfaction was strongly correlated with the need for information. The higher the patient's expectations, the higher their need for information. The most common perceived advantage of IBR was the avoidance of an external prosthesis. A majority of patients were satisfied with the breast reconstruction. However, a sizeable proportion needed more information about breast reconstruction and the use of the silicone prosthesis. To avoid too high expectations more attention should be given to possible complications and the moderate cosmetic results.

Adult↗

Self-monitored smoking motives.

The motives for smoking in 73 low, medium, and high rate smokers were surveyed and were evaluated the validity of the Reasons for Smoking scale (RFS) by correlating RFS scores with self-monitored reasons for smoking. Combined sample correlations were significant for 5 of the 6 RFS reasons. However, all correlations were modest, the number of correlations varied with smoking rate, and the RFS was not a valid measure of pleasurable relaxation, the reason most frequently reported during self-monitoring. The unexpected finding that pleasurable relaxation, not reduction of negative affect, was the most frequently endorsed reason conflicts with previous surveys, almost all of which sampled older smokers. Smoking behavior of younger smokers may differ from older smokers in ways important to the study of smoking motivation. These differences may explain why experimental studies with undergraduates generally find no relationship between smoking and negative affect while studies with older subjects do.

Adolescent↗

Factors and motives associated with drop-out in an ambulatory service for patients with psychotic disorders.

The aim is to study motives and factors associated with treatment drop-out in an ambulatory psychiatric service, which integrates medical, social, familial and rehabilitation treatments. Only 9% of the psychotic patients dropped out, whose motives were non-compliance with medication and unawareness of illness, and the associated factors were comorbidity of substance abuse, social isolation and male gender.

Adult↗

Neurobehavioural mechanisms of reward and motivation.

The analysis of the behavioural and neural mechanisms of reinforcement and motivation has benefited from the recent application of learning theory and better anatomical knowledge of the connectivity of certain key neural structures, such as the nucleus accumbens. This progress has enabled the dissection of motivational processes into components that can begin to be related to the functioning of specific limbic cortical structures that project to different compartments of the ventral striatum.

Animals↗

The partner preference paradigm: a method to study sexual motivation and performance of female rats.

Sexual behavior of the female rat consists of initiative, as well as receptive components. Previous studies on female sexual behavior have focused on the reflexive response to a male's mount, i.e., the lordosis reflex, whereas the initiative and soliciting gestures that are exhibited by the female during copulation were ignored by most researchers. This bias led to a misconception of the female's role in the sexual act, according to which the female is passive and submissive, whereas the male rat is sexually dominant or even aggressive. In this paper, we describe a procedure, the partner preference paradigm, designed to investigate and quantify sexual motivation, initiation and solicitation in female rats. In this paradigm, the female can control the sexual act because the mobility of her sexual partner is limited. This setting enables to measure a variety of soliciting behaviors that reflect the active seeking of sexual contact by an estrous female. In addition, this paradigm enables the evaluation of the females' motivation to engage in a sexual act, by measuring the preference for a sexually appropriate over an indifferent partner. Moreover, the partner preference paradigm may be easily adopted for studies in male subjects, allowing the comparison of males' and females' responses to various experimental conditions.

Animals↗