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The conscious roots of selfless, unconscious goals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 April 2014

Gordon B. Moskowitz  and
Emily Balcetis
Gordon B. Moskowitz
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015. gbm@lehigh.eduhttp://psychology.cas2.lehigh.edu/content/gbm4
Emily Balcetis
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, New York University, New York, NY 10003. emilybalcetis@nyu.eduhttp://www.psych.nyu.edu/balcetis/
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Abstract

We counter Huang & Bargh's (H&B's) metaphoric description of the unconscious, selfish goal on three points. First, we argue, unconscious goals are rooted in conscious choices related to well-being. Second, unconscious goal pursuit occurs through early-stage orienting mechanisms that promote individuals' well-being. Third, unconscious goals work selflessly, resulting in their own demise.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 37 , Issue 2 , April 2014 , pp. 151
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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