Alcohol-related language can increase aggression

Feed URL: https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/health-news-events/2014/06/02/alcohol-related-language-can-increase-aggression/feed/?withoutcomments=1

New psychology research shows that exposing people to alcohol-related words can influence aggressive behaviour in ways similar to actually consuming alcohol.

Researchers found however that this aggressive behaviour occurred when people were subjected to provocation in a way that was not a clear-cut insult.

Although it has been long known that drinking alcohol can increase aggression, a team of five psychologists, including Dr Eduardo Vasquez of the University of Kent School of Psychology and others from two US universities, demonstrated in two experiments that participants exhibited aggression following exposure to alcohol-related words – known as alcohol priming. This effect was demonstrated in situations when they were provoked in a way that was ambiguous or not obvious.

These findings will have implications for understanding the way people behave in situations where alcohol is present, including bars sporting events and parties.

For more information, see the full press release.

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Dr Eduardo Vasquez

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