Experimental effect of positive urgency on negative outcomes from risk taking and on increased alcohol consumption.
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.
Cyders
Melissa A
MA
Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. melissa.cyders@gmail.com
Zapolski
Tamika C B
TC
Combs
Jessica L
JL
Settles
Regan Fried
RF
Fillmore
Mark T
MT
Smith
Gregory T
GT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012931:Social Environment; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires