Results of the experiment show that thoughts about the terrorist attack increased death-thought accessibility. For participants who had low alcohol-based self-esteem, thinking unconsciously about a terrorist attack, were more likely to choose an alcoholic beverage. In the conscious thought condition, participants who had high alcohol-based self-esteem were less likely to choose alcohol. These findings suggests that thoughts about terrorism and, therefore, the threat of death, can be provoked in everyday situations and affect substance use behaviors with potentially adverse health consequences. This study was published in Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy. [LINK]
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