This comment addresses a set of phenomena that have been labeled
"response
shift." We argue that many of these phenomena reflect recalibration of
a goal seeking system and an affect-management system, both of which
are
involved in normal adaptive self-regulation. In brief, we hold that
these
systems act as feedback control mechanisms. The reference values for
both
systems continuously undergo gradual recalibration. Because in most
circumstances
the adjustments tend to occur with equivalent frequency in both
directions,
their cumulative effect is minimal. In situations of either unusually
prolonged
goal attainment (and overattainment) or unusually prolonged adversity
(as
occurs, e.g., with deteriorating health), the cumulative effect can be
substantial. We believe that these latter recalibrations of reference
value
account for many response shift phenomena. Other such phenomena are
accounted
for by the principle of hierarchical organization among the
self-regulatory
goals that comprise the self.
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