A Multi-Method Investigation of the Role of Reward-Related Impulsivity in the Development of Alcohol Expectancies in Early Adolescence

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Broad/Long Term Objectives: The goals of this application are to: 1) conduct a novel test of the Acquired Preparedness Model (APM) examining the moderating role of reward-related impulsivity on the relationship between familial alcohol exposure and alcohol expectancies in early adolescence and 2) utilize advanced statistics to identify latent profiles of trait, behavioral, and neural indicators of impulsivity in early adolescence. Specific Aims: The proposed project aims to 1) identify the latent structure of a reward-related impulsivity neuroimaging measure in early adolescence, 2) test the role of reward-related impulsivity in the proposed developmental pathway of the APM, and 3) utilize person-centered heterogeneity analyses to identify distinct profiles of impulsivity in early adolescence. To complete the proposed project, the applicant will receive training in multivariate statistical methods, secondary neuroimaging analysis, and scientific writing. Training will be obtained via 1) meetings with expert consultants, 2) coursework, and 3) conference and workshop attendance. Method: The project will consist of secondary data analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study dataset. Latent variable modeling will be utilized to examine the latent structure of the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task in the ABCD sample and identify neural coactivation patterns associated with developmental risk factors for AUD. Structural equation models will be used to test the APM, looking at multi- method reward-related impulsivity variables as moderators of the relationship between familial alcohol exposure and alcohol expectancies. Supplementary analyses will also be conducted with all available questionnaire, behavioral, and neural indicators of impulsivity to explore distinct profiles of impulsivity in the ABCD sample. Significance: The proposed project will advance understanding of the developmental mechanisms contributing to risk for early alcohol use initiation, clarify the organization of heterogeneous impulsivity constructs in early adolescence, and identify distinct neural underpinnings of reward impulsivity in early adolescence associated with alcohol risk. The results of the project will allow for more effective tailoring of prevention and intervention efforts for adolescent alcohol use. Training Plan and Environment: The training plan will provide the applicant with quantitative, substantive, and practical training to facilitate a successful career as an independent addiction scientist. The applicant will receive training in developmental neuroscience, advanced multivariate statistics, and scientific writing. Training will take place at the University of Missouri’s Department of Psychological Sciences, which has an outstanding addiction training program funded by an NIAAA training grant (T32 AA013526; PI: Denis McCarthy). The mentoring team consists of experts in developmental psychopathology (Dr. McCarthy), neuroimaging (Drs. Froeliger, Squeglia) and quantitative (Dr. Steinley) research on addiction, providing a strong collaborative training experience for the applicant.