Influence of positive consequences on subsequent incentive ratings and drinking quantity

Alcohol use is prevalent among young adults, with significant rates of binge drinking and frequent reports of both positive and negative consequences. The current study investigates how positive drinking consequences influence subsequent incentives ratings and drinking behavior. Utilizing mobile daily diary data from 104 young adults over two weeks (event N = 507), we assessed the impact of event-specific positive consequences on future incentive ratings and drinking quantity. Findings revealed that positive consequences were not consistently associated with higher sensitivity to incentives, opposing hypotheses. Specifically, positive alcohol consequences were associated with a slight decrease in next-event alcohol incentive ratings, contrary to the expected positive feedback loop (b = -0.13, p = 0.03). While previous event experiences did not significantly moderate the relationship between incentive ratings and drinking quantities, within-subject increases in incentive ratings for social/party (IRR = 0.45, p < 0.001) and alcohol (IRR = 0.39, p < 0.001) incentives were linked to changes in drinking quantity. Results underscore the complexity of the relationship between positive consequences and drinking behavior, indicating that individual differences, experienced consequences, and salient rewards (i.e., incentives) may play crucial roles in future drinking behavior. Future research should explore additional mechanisms of learning and diverse populations to expand on these findings and enhance strategies for reducing risky drinking behaviors.