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Alcohol intoxication reduces impulsivity in the delay-discounting paradigm
Catherine N M Ortner1, Tara K MacDonald, Mary C Olmstead
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G3, Canada.
Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
|March 14, 2003
Summary
Alcohol myopia did not increase cognitive impulsivity in a delay-discounting task. Intoxicated individuals made more cautious decisions, suggesting alcohol can sometimes enhance decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Alcohol myopia theory posits that alcohol narrows attentional focus, potentially increasing impulsivity.
- Cognitive impulsivity, particularly in decision-making, is a key area of interest in understanding alcohol's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating role of alcohol myopia on cognitive impulsivity.
- To examine how alcohol influences decision-making using the delay-discounting paradigm.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-six male undergraduates were assigned to sober, placebo, or alcohol conditions.
- A delay-discounting task assessed choices between immediate small and delayed large rewards.
- Impulsivity was also measured using personality inventories and the go/no-go task.
Main Results:
- Intoxicated participants discounted delayed rewards less than sober participants.
- Higher blood alcohol levels correlated with lower delay discounting rates.
- Cues designed to provoke impulsive choices did not alter alcohol's effect on delay discounting.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol intoxication does not consistently increase cognitive impulsivity.
- Under certain conditions, alcohol may promote more cautious decision-making.
- The findings challenge the universal application of the alcohol myopia theory to cognitive impulsivity.