B3437 - Examining the association between alcohol use cognitive functioning and self-harm - 10/01/2020

B number: 
B3437
Principal applicant name: 
Liam Mahedy | University of Bristol
Co-applicants: 
Prof. Marcus Munafo, Miss Daisy Drummond, Miss Kajal Shah, Miss Maddy Cooper
Title of project: 
Examining the association between alcohol use, cognitive functioning and self-harm
Proposal summary: 

Alcohol use during adolescence is a major public health concern, in particular because the brain is still developing and undergoing considerable structural and functional changes. Identifying risk factors that influence adolescent alcohol use is important to appropriately target prevention programs. One area of research that has received considerable attention is the role cognitive functioning (e.g., working memory and inhibition) play as risk for involvement in adolescent alcohol use. There is also a large literature showing a relationship between substance use and self-harm. It is possible that alcohol may increase the risk of self-harm by lowering inhibitions and impairing working memory, which is central to decision making. There is also evidence to suggest that there may be a bi-directional relationship, as several longitudinal studies have reported an association between adolescent self-harm and alcohol problems in adulthood. Although previous prospective studies have examined this association, they are often limited by the use of small sample size, different alcohol use phenotype (i.e. bingeing vs frequency), different follow-up periods, or lack of control for relevant confounders.

Impact of research: 
This research project has the potential to inform the development of cognitive training as intervention/prevention strategies aimed at reducing alcohol initiation and self-harm.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 8 January, 2020
Date proposal approved: 
Friday, 10 January, 2020
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Addiction - e.g. alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, gambling, etc., Behaviour - e.g. antisocial behaviour, risk behaviour, etc., Cognitive impairment, Mental health, Statistical methods, Cognition - cognitive function, Statistical methods, Alcohol use, self-harm