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Three Laboratory Procedures for Assessing Different Manifestations of Impulsivity in Rats
Published on: March 17, 2019
Components of behavioural impulsivity and automatic cue approach predict unique variance in hazardous drinking
Paul Christiansen1, Jon C Cole, Andrew J Goudie
1School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK. prc@liverpool.ac.uk
Psychopharmacology
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Multiple facets of impulsivity and automatic alcohol approach tendencies uniquely predict hazardous drinking. These findings clarify the complex relationship between impulsivity components and alcohol-related behaviors in social drinkers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Hazardous drinking is linked to impulsivity and automatic alcohol cue approach.
- Impulsivity is multifaceted, and its distinct components' roles in heavy drinking require clarification.
- Individual differences in impulsivity may moderate the link between hazardous drinking and automatic alcohol cognitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the independence of impulsivity measures.
- Examine the association between impulsivity components and hazardous drinking.
- Determine if impulsivity moderates the relationship between hazardous drinking and automatic alcohol approach tendencies.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-seven social drinkers completed self-report impulsivity questionnaires.
- Computerized tasks assessed automatic alcohol approach tendencies (stimulus-response compatibility task).
- Behavioral impulsivity was measured using Go/No-go and delay discounting tasks.
Main Results:
- Behavioral impulsivity measures were distinct from each other and trait impulsivity.
- Self-reported non-planning impulsivity loaded onto both trait impulsivity and delay discounting.
- All impulsivity measures and automatic alcohol approach tendencies uniquely predicted hazardous drinking, with no moderation effect observed.
Conclusions:
- Multiple components of impulsivity independently contribute to hazardous drinking.
- Automatic alcohol approach tendencies also uniquely explain variance in hazardous drinking.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay between various impulsivity facets and hazardous drinking.
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