My research focuses on the relationship between psychological distances (PT) and addictions. Psychological distance (PT) is a well-known concept in social psychology and recent studies suggest that it explains well behaviours and attitudes towards various factors such as climate change, export market choice, or conformity to group norms. Four basic dimensions of PT are distinguished; spatial, temporal, social and probabilistic, which represent the extent to which an event is perceived as spatially/temporally proximate, the impact it has on us, and the probability of the event occurring. We have detailed, concrete representations of events that are perceived as close, while we have abstract, abstract representations of events that are perceived as distant, and the intensity of the associated emotions decreases with perceived distance, i.e. events perceived as distant elicit a milder response and have a smaller behaviour modifying effect. My aim is to understand the PTs associated with substance use and especially with quitting, their relationship with other psychological constructs and their impact on the willingness to quit, especially in smokers and heavy drinkers.

The focus of our research is to investigate the Incentive Sensitization Theory of addictions through a diverse methodological approach, ranging from survey methods and behavioral measures to EEG paradigms. By utilizing this multi-faceted methodology, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how certain cues become sensitized and increasingly salient in individuals with addictive behaviors. Surveys allow us to capture subjective experiences and individual differences in cue reactivity and craving, while behavioral measures provide objective insights into attentional biases and motivational processes associated with addiction. EEG paradigms further complement these approaches by examining the neural underpinnings of incentive sensitization, capturing real-time changes in brain activity as participants respond to addiction-related cues. This comprehensive approach enables us to explore the theory from multiple angles, enhancing our understanding of the complex processes driving addiction and providing a foundation for developing targeted interventions.