title: Motivational drive and alprazolam misuse: A recipe for aggression?
abstract: Benzodiazepine-related aggression has received insufficient research attention, in particular little is known about the motivational factors which may contribute to the development of this paradoxical response. The revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to understand the relevant underlying motivational processes. The current study aimed to identify the role of approach and avoidance motivational tendencies in the occurrence of benzodiazepine-related aggression. Data regarding benzodiazepine and other substance use, approach and avoidance motivation, and general and physical aggressive behaviour were collected via self-report questionnaires. Participants were a convenience sample (n=204) who reported using benzodiazepines in the previous year. Participants were primarily male (62.7%), aged 18-51 years old. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that general and physical aggression were predicted by alprazolam use and Drive, a facet of approach motivation. Overall, lower diazepam use significantly predicted higher levels of general aggression. However, when diazepam-preferring participants were examined in isolation of the larger sample (23.5% of sample), problematic (dependent) diazepam use was associated with greater aggression scores, as was dependence risk for alprazolam-preferring participants (39.7% of sample). The findings highlight the importance of motivational factors and benzodiazepine use patterns in understanding benzodiazepine-related aggression, with implications for violent offender rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. Electronic address: petra.staiger@deakin.edu.au.
authors.forename: Petra K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Staiger
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Youth Substance and Advocacy Service, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kambouropoulos
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Best
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000525:Alprazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004328:Drive; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation / Q000187:drug effects*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000525:Alprazolam
keywords: Aggressive behaviour; Benzodiazepines; Reinforcement sensitivity theory