Which statement best describes the relationship between hedonic value and positive incentive value in Incentive-Sensitization Theory?

Which statement best describes the relationship between hedonic value and positive incentive value in Incentive-Sensitization Theory?

• A. They always increase together
• B. Positive incentive value can increase even as hedonic value decreases
• C. Hedonic value increases while incentive value decreases
• D. They are unrelated

Answer: (B)

Incentive-Sensitization Theory distinguishes two separate processes: hedonic value (liking the drug) and positive incentive value (wanting or craving the drug). With repeated use, the brain’s incentive-mesance system becomes sensitized, so cues linked to the drug gain strong motivational pull. This makes the drug cues highly attractive and increases the drive to obtain the drug—even if the actual pleasure from taking the drug diminishes due to tolerance. So positive incentive value can rise while hedonic value decreases, explaining why cravings can intensify even when the drug’s immediate pleasure wanes. The other options don’t fit because they imply the two values always move together or are unrelated, which isn’t what IST predicts.

Incentive-Sensitization Theory distinguishes two separate processes: hedonic value (liking the drug) and positive incentive value (wanting or craving the drug). With repeated use, the brain’s incentive-mesance system becomes sensitized, so cues linked to the drug gain strong motivational pull. This makes the drug cues highly attractive and increases the drive to obtain the drug—even if the actual pleasure from taking the drug diminishes due to tolerance. So positive incentive value can rise while hedonic value decreases, explaining why cravings can intensify even when the drug’s immediate pleasure wanes. The other options don’t fit because they imply the two values always move together or are unrelated, which isn’t what IST predicts.