The Latest Scientific Developments Open a Window on Propensities

Abstract

The window opened by the technology of comparative imaging and mapping reveals psychological dispositions and environmental influences previously beyond the reach of empirical assessment. This new knowledge fundamental to the present strategy of substance abuse prevention deserves special attention. It is based on the assessment of psychological dispositions as powerful contributors to people’s decisions to use or not to use harmful substances. Furthermore, powerful as they are, because they work below people’s conscious awareness, there is a natural tendency to ignore them. As the review of the literature discussed in the previous chapter indicates, they receive little attention in prevention. The latest developments in the cognitive sciences and neurosciences are used to place our findings on the power of psychological and social influences into timely perspective.