Project 6 - Addiction Risk: The dynamics of risk perception and risk behavior in alcohol addiction

[Die Dynamik von Risikowahrnehmung und Risikoverhalten bei Alkoholabhängigkeit]

Project P6 examines the dynamic nature of risk perception and risk behavior in alcohol addiction with two objectives: to advance understanding of addiction maintenance and the discrepancy between risk knowledge and risky drinking, and to capture risk dynamics across time and its modulation by personalized feedback and preparedness using alcohol addiction as a model. Building on own preliminary research planned work addresses (1) cycles of risk perception and behavior changes over time in dependence of personalized feedback (treatment) and preparedness (personality traits, life experiences, and motivation), implementing prospective controlled intervention designs, and varying personalized feedback and (in collaboration with P4 Updating Risk) mindset, and (2) the trajectory of subjective risk perception and general and alcohol-related risk behavior with emphasis on the moderating role of preparedness factors. Hypotheses on mechanisms of interaction between risk perception and risk behavior (in collaboration with P5 Cumulative Risk) will be examined by comparing alcohol addicted individuals, at-risk users, and non-addicted controls, and by integrating subjective risk evaluation, performance in risk-taking task, and cortical correlates of risk evaluation and risky decision making. Understanding PEC-cycle dynamics should guide adjustment of diagnostic and intervention strategies and contribute to the theoretical modeling of health-threatening alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence.

Members:

Dr. Michael Odenwald (Co-PI)

Prof. Dr. Brigitte Rockstroh (PI)