Effects of reducing attentional bias for alcohol stimuli on impulsive behavior: Examination considering differences in functions of drinking behavior

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of attentional bias for alcohol related stimuli on impulsive behavior, focusing on differences in the function of drinking behavior. University and graduate students (N = 41) that were heavy drinkers participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to the attentional bias modification (ABM) or a control group. Data were analyzed using the cognitive-behavioral therapy framework of functional analysis. The results indicated that the ABM group did not reduce attentional bias or impulsive behaviors. We conducted a post hoc correlation analysis using variations, which indicated that impulsive behaviors decreased when attentional bias decreased. In addition, a three-factor analysis of variance with group, time, and each drinking motive as independent variables indicated a non-significant interaction. It is concluded that reducing attentional bias might contribute to improving impulsive drinking behaviors. However, individual differences due to drinking motives remain unclear.