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Published on: March 17, 2019
Associations between trait impulsivity facets and alcohol-impaired driving risk perceptions.
Anna M Porter1, Gabriel J Muro1, Luvonte D Bressler1
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri.
Summary
High impulsivity, especially urgency, lowers perceived risks of alcohol-impaired driving (AID). This suggests specific traits influence decision-making under intoxication, impacting willingness to drive after drinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Trait impulsivity is linked to risky behaviors, including alcohol-impaired driving (AID).
- Understanding how specific impulsivity facets influence decision-making during intoxication is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates differential relationships between impulsivity facets and AID risk, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between multifaceted impulsivity constructs and alcohol-impaired driving (AID) risk perceptions.
- To examine how specific facets of impulsivity (UPPS-P) influence perceptions of AID danger and willingness to engage in AID while intoxicated.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory-based alcohol administration study involving 78 moderate drinkers (55% female, mean age 23.9).
- Participants completed measures of AID risk perceptions after receiving a dose of alcohol to reach a peak breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10%.
- Associations between UPPS-P impulsivity facets, AID risk perceptions across the BAC curve, and self-reported AID were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Individuals high in urgency (positive and negative) and lack of premeditation perceived AID as less dangerous when intoxicated.
- Higher urgency was associated with a greater self-reported willingness to engage in AID.
Conclusions:
- Distinct impulsivity facets, particularly urgency, significantly alter risk perceptions associated with alcohol-impaired driving (AID) during intoxication.
- Further research is needed to explore the link between these altered risk perceptions and actual engagement in real-world risky behaviors.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering specific impulsivity traits in understanding and preventing alcohol-related risks.
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