INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES IN MEMORY ASSOCIATIONS INVOLVING THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE OUTCOMES OF ALCOHOL-USE

In previous studies of memory association and alcohol use, the authors found that positive outcomes of drinking were associated in memory wi th alcohol concepts among heavier drinkers. The present study examined whether previous alcohol use predicted associative memory responses t o negative, as well as positive, outcomes of drinking. It also examine d whether the normative frequency of positive and negative outcomes af fected responses. In the present sample of 609 students, previous alco hol use, normative frequency of outcome, and the number of outcomes li sted strongly predicted alcohol-related associative responses to posit ive outcomes and, to a lesser extent, negative outcomes. The results s uggest that repetitive alcohol use strengthens the association in memo ry between alcohol concepts and both positive and negative outcomes. H owever, thoughts about potential positive outcomes may be more readily cued by situational factors and events.