Citation

Hicks JA, Friedman RS, Gable PA, Davis WE. Addiction 2012; 107(6): 1074-1080.

Affiliation

Texas A&M University University at Albany, State University of New York University of Alabama.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2012.03781.x

PMID

22229816

Abstract

Aims:  Many theoretical perspectives suggest that alcohol-related stimuli bear on attentional processes. Building upon these ideas and recent advances regarding the attention-constricting impact of approach motivational states, we predicted that mere exposure to alcohol-related images would suffice to reduce the breadth of attention among individuals who possessed a strong motivation to consume alcohol. Design:  Two studies exposed participants to alcohol and neutral cues prior to assessing attention structure. In both studies, measures of alcohol use, negative alcohol expectancies, trait approach motivation, and alcohol-related approach motivation were assessed. Setting and Participants:  Study 1 comprised of 102 undergraduates and Study 2 comprised of 162 undergraduates. Studies were conducted at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Measurements:  In both studies, participants were briefly exposed to pictures of various stimuli (alcohol vs. neutral pictures). After each picture was displayed, participants completed a trial assessing attentional focus. Findings:  After controlling for relevant covariates, both studies demonstrated that exposure to alcohol-related pictures led to a narrowing of attentional focus among individuals who possessed a strong motivation to use alcohol. Exposure to neutral pictures, however, did not interact with alcohol-related motivation to influence attentional focus. Conclusions:  Alcohol cues narrow attentional breadth for individuals who are motivated to consume alcohol, suggesting a non-pharmacological means in which alcohol produces a narrow mindset. Alcohol cues may contribute to cognitive and behavioral deficits, as well as drinking behaviors, in part, because they lead to the inability to process a broad range of information in the environment.

Language: en