How people decide to consume (more) alcohol when feeling stressed.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The tension reduction hypothesis suggests that people consume alcohol to alleviate stress. While previous studies showed stress increases alcohol's absolute value, alcohol's value relative to alternatives should be more relevant for drinking decisions. We aimed to test whether acute stress causes individuals to choose alcohol over appealing non-alcoholic alternatives and to identify the cognitive mechanisms underlying this choice behavior.

Design

Laboratory-based randomized 2 × 2 experimental study.

Setting

Controlled laboratory environment including a simulated bar setting.

Participants

160 adults [56% male; mean age = 31 years; median Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score = 8] who regularly consume alcohol.

Interventio

SUBMITTER: Dora J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12777759 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature