A BIOSOCIAL MODEL OF THE ALCOHOL-AGGRESSION RELATIONSHIP

Four of alcohol's dose- and rate-dependent pharmacological properties may increase the likelihood of human aggression. As an anxiolytic, alc ohol is capable of reducing the inhibitory effect of fear on manifesta tion of aggressive behavior. As a psychomotor stimulant, alcohol can p otentiate aggressive behavior, once evoked, or lower the threshold for such evocation. Alcohol-related disruption of certain higher order co gnitive functions may reduce the inhibitory control generally exercise d by previously established knowledge and decrease ability to plan in the face of threat or punishment. Finally, alcohol's ability to increa se pain sensitivity may increase the likelihood of defensive aggressio n. Discussion of the nature and relevance of these pharmacological pro perties is structured according to a heuristic and synthetic schema, p redicated upon consideration of an inhibitory neuropsychological struc ture-the individually and culturally determined general expectancy set .