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Component process analysis of verbal memory in a sample of students with a binge drinking pattern
Fabien Gierski1,2,3, Nicolas Stefaniak1, Farid Benzerouk1,2
1Laboratoire Cognition Santé, Société (C2S - EA 6291), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France.
Addictive Behaviors Reports
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Binge drinking impairs verbal episodic memory, specifically storage and retrieval, but not working memory. This memory deficit may contribute to academic difficulties in college students who engage in binge drinking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Binge drinking is linked to cognitive deficits, particularly memory impairment.
- The specific memory processes affected by binge drinking remain unclear.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of binge drinking on verbal working memory and verbal episodic memory.
- To differentiate effects on encoding, storage, and retrieval within episodic memory.
- To identify specific memory components affected by binge drinking behavior.
Main Methods:
- 48 college students (18-25 years) were categorized as binge drinkers (BDs) or social drinkers (SDs).
- Verbal working memory was assessed using Wechsler scale subtests (digit span, letter-number sequencing).
- Verbal episodic memory was evaluated using a modified Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) assessing encoding, storage, and retrieval.
Main Results:
- Binge drinking did not affect verbal working memory performance.
- Verbal episodic memory performance was significantly reduced in binge drinkers.
- Binge drinkers showed deficits in storage and retrieval processes of episodic memory.
- Memory component proficiency negatively correlated with binge drinking indicators.
Conclusions:
- Binge drinking negatively impacts the storage and recollection aspects of verbal episodic memory.
- These memory impairments may partially explain academic failures observed in binge drinkers.
- Findings support developing targeted educational campaigns for students on the risks of binge drinking.
