Experimental effect of positive urgency on negative outcomes from risk taking and on increased alcohol consumption

Psychol Addict Behav. 2010 Sep;24(3):367-75. doi: 10.1037/a0019494.

Abstract

The current pair of experimental studies sought to further validate the role of positive urgency (acting rashly when in an extreme positive emotional state) as a risk factor for impulsive and maladaptive behavior. Previous research has supported the use of emotion-based dispositions to rash action in predicting a wide range of maladaptive acts. However, that research was conducted in the field and relied on self-reported behavior, thus lacking tight experimental controls and direct observation of risky behaviors. In the 2 experimental studies described here, we found that among college students (1) positive urgency significantly predicted negative outcomes on a risk-taking task following a positive mood manipulation (n = 94), and (2) positive urgency significantly predicted increases in beer consumption following positive mood induction (n = 33). Positive urgency's role was above and beyond previously identified risk factors; these findings, combined with prior cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies, provide support for the role of positive urgency in rash action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / psychology*
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Social Environment
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires