the Carver effect

The Carver effect refers to a phenomenon observed in psychology and addiction research where individuals' behaviors or choices are significantly influenced by the environment or context, often leading to increased risk-taking or impulsivity. For example, exposure to certain cues or situations can trigger specific responses, akin to how a person’s behavior might change when they’re in different settings. Named after psychologist Charles Carver, this effect highlights how external factors can subtly shape decision-making processes and actions without conscious awareness, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding human behavior.