The aim of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between reward processing, negative emotions, and alcohol use behaviour. The researchers analyzed data from 286 college students who had consumed alcohol in the past year. They found that participants who had more severe gambling or alcohol use problems were more likely to suffer from negative emotions. These participants were more sensitive to potential punishment and harm, and less likely to act in response to potential rewards. These results suggest that students may engage in addictive behaviours to escape from their negative thoughts and feelings. Researchers could investigate whether teaching students to take a goal-oriented coping approach could reduce their negative thoughts and feelings.
