Reward sensitivity predicts attentional bias towards alcohol-related cues in young binge drinkers

Individual differences in reward sensitivity have been associated with self-reported drinking behaviour in young adults. The current study explored a potential mechanism underlying this association by examining the influence of reward sensitivity (BAS scores from the BIS/BAS scales) on attentional bias towards alcohol-related cues in 80 young adult binge-drinkers. The combined and interactive influence of punishment sensitivity (rFFFS scores) was also examined. Participants (17–25 years, 58% female) completed the AUDIT and BIS/BAS scales and a computerised dot-probe paradigm assessing attentional bias. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that stronger reward sensitivity (high BAS) and weaker punishment sensitivity (low rFFFS) predicted stronger attentional bias towards alcohol cues. Attentional bias was also strongly correlated with self-reported drinking levels (AUDIT scores), and once these were accounted for in the model, females showed greater bias. Implications for the design of targeted interventions to reduce binge drinking are discussed.