On the Nature of Automatically Triggered Approach-Avoidance Behavior

Theory suggests that stimulus evaluations automatically evoke approach-avoidance behavior. However, the extent to which approach-avoidance behavior is triggered automatically is not yet clear. Furthermore, the nature of automatically triggered approach-avoidance behavior is controversial. We review research on two views on the type of approach-avoidance behavior that is triggered automatically (arm flexion/extension, distance change). Present evidence supports the distance-change view and corroborates the notion of an automatic pathway from evaluation to distance-change behavior. We discuss underlying mechanisms (direct stimulus-response links, outcome anticipations, goals) as well as implications regarding the flexibility of the evaluation-behavior link.