Skip to main content

Identifying component-processes of executive functioning that serve as risk factors for the alcohol-aggression relation.

Author
Abstract
:

The present investigation determined how different component-processes of executive functioning (EF) served as risk factors for intoxicated aggression. Participants were 512 (246 males and 266 females) healthy social drinkers between 21 and 35 years of age. EF was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) that assesses nine EF components. After the consumption of either an alcohol or a placebo beverage, participants were tested on a modified version of the Taylor Aggression Paradigm in which mild electric shocks were received from, and administered to, a fictitious opponent. Aggressive behavior was operationalized as the shock intensities and durations administered to the opponent. Although a general BRIEF-A EF construct consisting of all nine components predicted intoxicated aggression, the best predictor involved one termed the Behavioral Regulation Index that comprises component processes such as inhibition, emotional control, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring.

Year of Publication
:
2012
Journal
:
Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors
Volume
:
26
Issue
:
2
Number of Pages
:
201-11
ISSN Number
:
0893-164X
URL
:
http://content.apa.org/journals/adb/26/2/201
DOI
:
10.1037/a0025207
Short Title
:
Psychol Addict Behav
Download citation