Alcohol intoxication and self-aggressive behavior

J Abnorm Psychol. 2003 May;112(2):306-11. doi: 10.1037/0021-843x.112.2.306.

Abstract

Nonexperimental field studies have demonstrated an association between alcohol intoxication and self-aggressive behaviors across the spectrum of lethality. Although these results are suggestive, it is not yet known whether alcohol intoxication is causally related to self-aggression. The authors therefore experimentally examined the effects of alcohol intoxication (mean blood alcohol concentration of .10) on a behavioral measure of self-aggression in men (N = 40). After consuming either an alcohol or a placebo drink, participants were provided the opportunity to self-administer shock during a task disguised as a reaction-time game, with self-aggression defined by the intensity of shock chosen. Half of the participants observed a self-aggressive model (a potential moderator of alcohol-related self-aggression). Independent alcohol and model effects were found, with alcohol accounting for over 30% of the self-aggression variance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholic Intoxication / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology*