Self-Focused Attention Reduces Self-Injurious Behavior in Alcohol-Intoxicated Men
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Both chronic alcohol use and acute intoxication are risk factor for self-aggression (i.e., intentional self-injury) across the spectrum of lethality. Studies designed to identify a cause-and-effect relation between alcohol intoxication and self-aggression, or the factors that facilitate or mitigate this effect, are rare due to the inherent difficulty of studying self-injurious behavior experimentally. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate that alcohol intoxication leads to heightened self-injurious behavior and that enhanced self-focused attention (self-awareness) attenuates this effect. Specifically, 40 men consumed either alcohol (mean Blood Alcohol Concentration [BAC] = .10) or a veridical control drink, and then completed a laboratory task designed to assess self-injurious behavior Self-focused attention was experimentally enhanced in half the participants in each drink condition. Results support the notion that prevention and intervention programs designed to reduce intentional self-injurious behaviors should include components that address alcohol misuse and self-awareness.
Publication Title
Substance Use & Misuse
Volume
44
Issue
41527
First Page
1280
Last Page
1297
Recommended Citation
Berman, M. E.,
Bradley, T. P.,
Fanning, J. R.,
McCloskey, M. S.
(2009). Self-Focused Attention Reduces Self-Injurious Behavior in Alcohol-Intoxicated Men. Substance Use & Misuse, 44(41527), 1280-1297.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/1186