The effects of alcohol (0.75 g/kg) on qualitative and quantitative aspects of verbal interaction and self-reported mood were studied in small groups of either strangers or acquaintances. Four groups consisting of two male and two female subjects were observed during discussion of a film topic. Significantly more verbal activity was observed as a function of alcohol (p<0.01), consistent with self-reported euphoria, affiliative moods, and reduced social anxiety. Bales IPA data indicated that more negative emotions were expressed (p<0.05) and more assertive communications were delivered as part of the generally increased verbal activity under alcohol conditions. Although alcohol and previous acquaintance tended to alter mood ratings in similar ways, alcohol was clearly the more powerful agent. Alcohol increased both total verbal activity and the output of more self-disclosing or provoking verbal responses. Although acquaintance alone had neither of these effects, it tended to promote the increase in verbal activity produced by alcohol.
Language: en
", language="en", issn="0036-5564", doi="10.1111/j.1467-9450.1987.tb00757.x", url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9450.1987.tb00757.x" }