ABSTRACT
Figure 6.1 is a simplified version of Figure 3.1 , modified to reflect the content of this chapter. In the GPCSL model, cognition (i.e. the decision of the self to act in a specific way) plays a central role. Ultimately, the cause of behavior resides in the cognitions of the individual. People make a choice, and they are responsible for their choices. Sometimes we may not be fully aware of our decision to act because of the automatic nature of some behaviors, or impulsive-emotional reactions, or the disruption of thinking processes due to alcohol or other drugs. However, even in these situations, we can trace back in the chain of behavioral events to a point where an active choice was made that accounts for the present behavior. For example, an angry individual may choose to go to the bar and get drunk before ending up in a fight, or the drug addict chooses to leave his house to buy some drugs. Self-agency is a powerful construct.
