Shielding intentions from distraction: Forming an intention induces inhibition of distracting stimuli

Abstract

Previous research has shown that focal goals are shielded through inhibition of alternative goals. The present research aims to extend these findings and show that execution of experimentally induced intentions is also shielded from distraction. In two experiments participants were instructed to form an intention to react to specific stimuli (intention cues). Next, we assessed accessibility of the intention cues, distracting cues and control cues. Results show that distracting cues were inhibited compared with control cues. In addition, we obtained preliminary evidence that this inhibition facilitates execution of previously formed intentions. The present research adds to earlier research on intentions and goal shielding by showing that cognitive self–regulatory processes shield intentions from distraction.