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Published on: February 6, 2019
Exploring the effect of alcohol on post-event processing specific to a social event
Susan R Battista1, Nancy L Kocovski
1Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Drinking alcohol at social events may worsen social anxiety by increasing post-event processing, or rumination. This study explored the link between alcohol consumption, social anxiety, and post-event processing in university students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Inconsistent findings link social anxiety and alcohol use.
- Post-event processing (PEP) is a cognitive component of social anxiety.
- Understanding alcohol's effect on PEP is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interrelationships between social anxiety, PEP, and alcohol consumption.
- To determine if alcohol use predicts PEP in university students.
Main Methods:
- 208 university students completed online questionnaires.
- Assessed trait social anxiety, depression, and alcohol consumption.
- Measured event-specific post-event processing.
Main Results:
- Alcohol consumption at a social event predicted increased PEP.
- This relationship remained significant after accounting for social anxiety and depression.
- Drinking may directly influence post-event rumination.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption appears to exacerbate post-event processing in students.
- Findings suggest a potential mechanism linking alcohol use and social anxiety.
- Further research should explore this relationship in diverse populations.
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