Controlled attention allocation mediates the relation between goal-oriented pursuit and approach–avoidance reactions to negative stimuli

Approach and avoidance are two basic behavioural principles. The current study investigated neuropsychological mechanisms underlying the influence of the personality characteristic goal-oriented pursuit on the efficiency of regulating such approach–avoidance reactions.Therefore, the P3 event-related potential (ERP) reflecting controlled attention allocation was assessed during the Approach–Avoidance Task (AAT) with positive and negative pictures in 36 healthy participants.For negative pictures, analyses revealed the neuropsychological mechanism of controlled attention allocation to mediate the relation between personality and behaviour: Stronger goal-oriented pursuit was associated with higher controlled attention allocation to the incompatible compared to the compatible condition and – thereby – with less automatic avoidance tendencies in response to negative pictures, i.e., with higher efficiency of regulation.Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future studies on mechanisms determining the influence of personality traits, situational factors and their interaction on approach–avoidance behaviour.

► The stronger goal-oriented pursuit, the higher controlled attention allocation.
► Also, the less dominance of automatic avoidance tendencies in behaviour.
► Thereby, controlled attention allocation constitutes a mediator (i.e. mechanism).
► This model holds only true for negative stimuli.