Abstract
Neuroenhancement (NE), the use of substances as a means to enhance performance, has garnered considerable scientific attention of late. While ethical and epidemiological publications on the topic accumulate, there is a lack of theory-driven psychological research that aims at understanding psychological drivers of NE. In this perspective article we argue that self-control strength offers a promising theory-based approach to further understand and investigate NE behavior. Using the strength model of self-control, we derive two theory-driven perspectives on NE-self-control research. First, we propose that individual differences in state/trait self-control strength differentially affect NE behavior based on one’s individual experience of NE use. Building upon this, we outline promising research questions that (will) further elucidate our understanding of NE based on the strength model’s propositions. Second, we discuss evidence indicating that popular NE substances (like Methylphenidate) may counteract imminent losses of self-control strength. We outline how further research on NE’s effects on the ego-depletion effect may further broaden our understanding of the strength model of self-control.
Highlights
A survey recently published in Nature revealed that one out of five respondents admitted having previously used substances as a means to enhance cognitive performance (Maher, 2008)
Drug Instrumentalization Theory (DI-Theory) proposes that the means-end relationship that underlies such non-addictive drug use can be understood as a two-step process: “(1) the seeking and consumption of a psychoactive drug in order to change the present mental state into a previously learned mental state, which allows for, (2) better performance of other, previously established behaviors and better goal achievement” (Mueller and Schumann, 2011)
Understanding NE from the perspective of DI-Theory, an individual uses a substance with the aim of changing his or her current mental state into a more desirable state, which allows for better performance
Summary
A survey recently published in Nature revealed that one out of five respondents admitted having previously used substances as a means to enhance cognitive performance (Maher, 2008). Participants with temporarily available self-control strength were more likely to suppress their stereotypes and to respond in a more desirable manner Based on these findings, ego-depletion should differentially affect NE behavior as a function of one’s history with NE. Higher levels of state self-control strength were associated with a higher tendency to use NE to improve performance, indicating that higher levels of self-control strength were rather negative This underlines the importance of self-control resources in the decision to neuroenhance for the first time and invites further research on the self-control-NE relationship. Even though Sripada et al (2014) did not explicitly focus on NE, their study gives an indication that some NE substances may alleviate ego depletion effects This is important, as alleviation of depleted self-control strength might be a mediating variable in the subjective effectiveness individuals assign to an NE substance. More research is needed to investigate how and why NE substances can replenish one’s self-control strength and how this potentially affects further NE behavior
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