Abstract
Among the known effects of alcohol on behavior, the modulation of cognitive functions (such as attention and memory), emotion, risk-taking and aggressive behavior are noteworthy. Here, we performed literature review in order to reinterpret alcohol effects on behavior according to the Alcohol Myopia Theory. According to this construct, there is a reduction of attentional resources during alcohol intoxication, which are primarily allocated to the most salient events in a given situation. The consequence is a hyperfocus directed to emotional situations when they are sufficiently relevant to grab attention, or a reduced attentional focus to emotional events in the presence of a relevant demanding task. The understanding of the mechanism mentioned above support the discussion of propositions toward the prevention of problems related to alcohol consumption. Importantly, the attentional allocation model provides inputs for a discussion on the scientifically-supported public health propositions aimed at preventing problems related to acute alcohol intoxication.
Highlights
Alcohol Myopia TheoryLiterature has accumulated much evidence about the effects of alcohol on social behavior and emotions, which vary widely and are highly irregular (Davis, Hendershot, George, Norris, & Heiman, 2007; George et al, 2008; Phillips & Giancola, 2008)
Among the known effects of alcohol on behavior, the modulation of cognitive functions, emotion, risk-taking and aggressive behavior are noteworthy
The answer for the enigma of the variability of alcohol influence on the behavior, including its pleasures and harms, would be taken into account in the theory of “Alcohol Myopia”. This view represents a shift of paradigm and, together with the traditional and purely pharmacological interpretations, raises the possibility of interactions between the systems related to attention and emotion regarding the effects of alcohol consumption
Summary
Literature has accumulated much evidence about the effects of alcohol on social behavior and emotions, which vary widely and are highly irregular (Davis, Hendershot, George, Norris, & Heiman, 2007; George et al, 2008; Phillips & Giancola, 2008). Anxiety levels increased in participants who did not perform any task during the waiting period (Josephs & Steele, 1990).These findings suggest that alcohol seems to have reduced volunteers’ attentional capacity: intoxicated individuals performing a demanding task were forced to dedicate great part of their reduced attentional resources to accuretly complete the task. In this way, a more difficult task seems to have reduced the build up of the stress reaction, attenuating the anxiety triggered by the iminent stressful event. The Alcohol Myopia Theory assumes that cognitive and attentional systems play a mediator role in the behavioral effects associated to alcohol consumption
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
