Practice Makes Perfect: MSW Students Reflect on Skill-Based Teaching Methods in Clinical Social Work Education.

In the current focus-group study, we consider student experiences with and perceptions of teaching methods that involve practice observation, demonstration, and performance assessment and feedback (i.e., skill-based teaching methods). Focus groups included masters of social work students (N = 40) from six universities in the United States. Students were, on average, 34 years of age (range 21 to 58) with 75% female, 20% male, and two non-binary students. Students identified as White (50%), Latinx/Latine (20%), Black (12.5%), and multi-racial (12.2%). A framework-guided content analysis was used, and revealed four broad themes: 1) classroom-based opportunities for practice observation and feedback, 2) field-based opportunities for practice observation and feedback, 3) other methods such as standardized patient simulations and computer simulations, and 4) attitudes about these methods. Experiences with these methods were quite diverse with classroom-based role plays being the most common. Attitudes were generally positive, though lack of authenticity and performance anxiety were perceived as drawbacks. Student reflections on their experiences yielded several teaching recommendations specific to preparation, the nature of the simulated client role, and feedback.

Psychometric evaluation of the medication adherence report scale in caregivers of low-income, urban, African American children with poorly controlled asthma.

OBJECTIVE: Accurately assessing asthma medication usage among low-income, urban, African American children is essential to reduce asthma health disparities. The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the five-item Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), in a sample of caregivers of low-income, urban, African American youth with poorly controlled asthma. METHOD: Using baseline data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of an environmental control educational intervention, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to ascertain the MARS factor structure. Construct validity was assessed using a regression model inclusive of caregiver-reported medication adherence, Asthma Medication Ratio (AMR), asthma control, and caregiver perception of asthma control as predictors of the MARS. RESULTS: Caregivers were female (97%) and 27.4% had an annual income under $10,000. The mean MARS score was 21.88 ± 3.33 out of a possible range of 5-25, representing high adherence. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a five-item one-factor model marginally fit the data based on the fit indices: χ2 (5) = 31.71, p < 0.001; RMSEA ≤ 0.161; CFI = 0.986; TLI = 0.971; and WRMR = 0.979. The MARS was associated with another caregiver-reported measure of medication adherence but not associated with AMR, asthma control, or caregiver perception of asthma control. CONCLUSIONS: The MARS demonstrated marginal fit in CFA and may not be clinically indicated in light of the lack of associations with objective measures of asthma medication adherence and asthma control.

The effect of legal mandates on substance use disorder treatment completion among older adults.

Objective: This study seeks to determine the relationship between referral type (legally mandated versus non-mandated) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment completion among older adults and by primary substance used.Method: We used data from the Treatment Episode Data Set - Discharges (TEDS-D) from 2011. Using data for persons age 55 and over (n = 104,747), we used propensity score matching (PSM) to address selection bias and attenuate the likelihood of a type I error. Logistic regression models estimated the effect of referral type on treatment completion based on treatment for a primary substance for five categories of substances.Results: In the matched sample, those who faced treatment mandates had 71% greater odds of completing treatment compared with those who entered treatment voluntarily (OR =1.71, 95% CI [1.64, 1.79]). Based on the primary drug used, odds of treatment completion were highest for alcohol, with 86% greater treatment completion for the mandated individuals compared with those entering treatment without a legal mandate (OR =1.86, 95% CI [1.75, 1.97]).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the motivating influence of treatment mandates may encourage completion of SUD treatment among older adults. Although the legal mandates for treatment are punitive, they may act to keep older adults with SUD engaged in treatment, an important factor as treatment completion is inversely related to relapse of a SUD.

Evaluation of MOS social support in low-income caregivers of African American children with poorly controlled asthma.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) in a sample of low-income, urban caregivers of African American children with poorly controlled asthma. Although the MOS-SSS is a commonly used measure of social support, its psychometric properties have not been studied in this population. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the most appropriate factor structure for the MOS-SSS in caregivers of African American children with frequent Emergency Department visits for uncontrolled asthma. The following models were tested and compared using established fit statistics: an 18-item second-order four factor model, an 18-item four factor model, a bifactor model and an 18-item one factor model with nested models. Results: Participating caregivers were single (75.6%) and female (97%). An 18-item one factor version of the scale had the best fit statistics compared to the other models tested: χ2 (142) = 308.319, p > 0.001; Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.077; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.990; and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.988. Construct validity was supported by a statistically significant negative relationship between our final MOS-SSS model and caregiver depressive symptoms ( ß = -0.374, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The 18-item one factor MOS-SSS may be appropriate for use in research and clinical practice with caregivers of African American children with poorly controlled asthma. It appears promising as a mechanism to advance understanding of relationships between social support and asthma outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Feasibility of Brief Screening for At-Risk Gambling in Consumer Credit Counseling.

Gambling disorder and problem gambling often lead to major suffering in the form of mental health problems, interpersonal conflict, and financial crises. One potential setting for detecting at-risk gambling is credit counseling as gambling problems may manifest themselves in the form of financial distress and bankruptcy. Research studies have not considered those seeking credit counseling as individuals at risk for gambling problems even though gambling may contribute to financial distress. Therefore, the current study sought to quantify the prevalence of at-risk gambling in credit counseling compared with national estimates, to compare at-risk gamblers in this population to lower risk individuals, and to assess the feasibility of gambling screening in these settings. Using a mixed methods approach, the current study found that almost 20% of callers to a national agency reported gambling behavior, and among those who gambled, they reported higher rates of problems related to gambling than the broader U.S. population, thus supporting the idea that screening in credit counseling may help identify those at risk. Low risk gamblers were slightly younger than non-gamblers, but no other differences in sociodemographic and financial status variables were found based on gambling risk status. Results from focus groups and individual interviews suggest that credit counselors and program administrators see the benefit to brief screening within their intake and counseling processes. Our findings suggest that gambling screening is feasible in consumer credit counseling and may be acceptable to staff and administrators at these agencies.

Social networks and alcohol use among older adults: a comparison with middle-aged adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the association between social networks and alcohol consumption among middle-aged (MA) and older adults (OA) to better understand the nature of the relationship between those two factors among OA and MA. METHOD: We examined Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Current drinkers aged over 50 were subdivided into two age groups: MA (50-64, n = 5214) and OA (65 and older, n = 3070). Each age group was stratified into drinking levels (low-risk vs. at-risk) based on alcohol consumption. The size and diversity of social networks were measured. Logistic regression models were used to examine age differences in the association between the social networks (size and diversity) and the probability of at-risk drinking among two age groups. RESULTS: A significant association between the social networks diversity and lower odds of at-risk drinking was found among MA and OA. However, the relationship between the diversity of social networks and the likelihood of at-risk drinking was weaker for OA than for MA. The association between social networks size and at-risk drinking was not significant among MA and OA. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that the association between social networks diversity and alcohol use among OA differs from the association among MA, and few social networks were associated with alcohol use among OA. In the future, research should consider an in-depth exploration of the nature of social networks and alcohol consumption by using longitudinal designs and advanced methods of exploring drinking networks.

Gender Differences in Patterns of Substance Use and Delinquency: A Latent Transition Analysis.

This study explores gender-specific patterns and transitions of adolescent substance use and delinquency in a sample of youths at ages 12, 15, and 18 (N = 803). Latent transition analysis identified "Primary Delinquent," "Delinquency and Substance Use," and "Low Risk" classes. Females were less likely to be in the "Primary Delinquent" class at age 12 than males. From 15 to 18, females were approximately equally likely to transition from "Primary Delinquent" to both other classes, whereas males were more likely to transition from "Primary Delinquent" to "Delinquency and Substance Use." These gender differences in behavior can inform services.

Assessing the factor structure of well-being in older adults: findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

OBJECTIVES: Well-being has been conceptualized as a two-dimensional construct that includes both hedonic and eudaimonic components. To date, existing measures of well-being may not adequately capture both of these components for older adults, and limited literature has explored whether the two constructs can be integrated into one factor to measure well-being in this population. METHOD: This study examined the factor structure of the 11 well-being items from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative panel study of Medicare recipients in the US. Using data from the 2011 wave, we divided the community-dwelling sample into two random subsamples, testing our theory in sample 1 (n = 3305) and examining the replicability of the solution in sample 2 (n = 3297). RESULTS: We conducted confirmatory factor analyses using a correlated uniqueness approach to account for the frequency and negatively worded method effects. The findings from sample 1 indicated that the single factor structure was a superior fit to the data, and the solution was confirmed by sample 2 [χ(2)(33) = 85.002, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.022 (90% CI = 0.016-0.028), CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.989, WRMR = 0.831]. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that although the hedonic and eudaimonic components of well-being may be conceptually distinct, they are highly correlated in the NHATS well-being measures and should be measured as a single construct. Implications for future research using the NHATS and research using other data sources and focusing on other populations are discussed.

Motor Cortex Reorganization and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Pain-A Methodological Study.

OBJECTIVES: Somatotopic reorganization of primary motor cortex (M1) has been described in several neurological conditions associated with chronic pain. We hypothesized that such reorganization impacts on the mechanisms of M1 stimulation induced analgesia and may either compromise the treatment effect of or provide an alternative target site for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The aim of the study was to compare pain relief following rTMS of the standard motor "hotspot" with that of the reorganized area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used TMS motor mapping in 30 patients to establish the location of the standard motor "hotspot" (site A) and an alternative site located in the reorganized area (site B), both within M1. Where TMS mapping was not possible (N = 8) we determined the location of the two sites using task-related fMRI. We compared the analgesic effect on neuropathic pain of 5 sessions of navigated rTMS applied over (i) site A, (ii) site B, and (iii) occipital fissure (SHAM stimulation site). Total Pain Relief (TOTPAR) was determined as the difference in average weekly pain scores between baseline and following each rTMS cycle, over three weeks. RESULTS: Data from 27 patients was analyzed. rTMS of sites A and B resulted in greater TOTPAR than that of SHAM. No difference was seen between sites A and B. Responders (≥15% pain relief) were seen in both groups, with partial overlap only. Addition of stimulation over site B improved the responder rate by 58% compared with site A. In an open-label extension study of five sessions of rTMS aimed at the optimized target site, 8/11 responders and 1/12 nonresponders reported pain relief. CONCLUSIONS: Cortical reorganization may provide a more effective stimulation target for rTMS in some individuals with neuropathic pain.

Drinking behavior among older adults at a continuing care retirement community: affective and motivational influences.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to describe patterns of alcohol consumption among continuing care retirement community(CCRC) residents and to explore the role of drinking motives and affective states on drinking context and consumption. METHOD: We utilized a phone-based daily diary approach to survey older adults about their daily alcohol consumption, context of drinking (e.g. drinking alone), positive and negative affect, and their motives for drinking. Data were analyzed descriptively, and regression models were developed to examine associations between sociodemographic factors, affect, drinking context and motives, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: CCRC residents drank most frequently at home and were alone almost half of drinking days on average, although the context of drinking varied considerably by participant. Problem alcohol use was rare, but hazardous use due to specific comorbidities, symptoms and medications, and the amount of alcohol consumption was common. Respondents endorsed higher social motives for drinking and lower coping motives. Social motives were associated with decreased likelihood of drinking alone, but negative affect was associated with decreased likelihood of drinking outside one's home. Coping and social motives were associated with greater consumption, and higher positive affect was associated with lower consumption. CONCLUSION: Among CCRC residents, alcohol use may be socially motivated rather than motivated by coping with negative affect. Future research should examine other motives for drinking in older adulthood. Evaluation of older adults living in CCRCs should include attention to health factors beyond problem use as other forms of hazardous use may be common in CCRCs.

Relations Among Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms and Drinking Frequency During Adolescence.

BACKGROUND: In adolescence, internalizing (e.g., anxious, depressive, and withdrawn) and externalizing (e.g., aggressive, oppositional, delinquent, and hyperactive) symptoms are related with alcohol use. However, the directionality among internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and alcohol use during adolescence is equivocal. Moreover, gender differences and similarities among these behaviors are not definitive in existing literature. OBJECTIVES: This study examined longitudinal relationships between internalizing and externalizing symptoms and past-month alcohol use among adolescent boys and girls. METHODS: Using longitudinal survey data from a study of community-dwelling adolescents (n = 724), we estimated cross-lagged structural equation models to test relations between internalizing and externalizing symptoms (as measured by the Youth Self Report, YSR [Achenbach, 1991]) and self-report alcohol use in the past month among adolescents. Gender differences were tested in a multiple group structural equation model. RESULTS: Alcohol use at age 12 was a predictor of internalizing and externalizing symptoms at age 15 for both boys and girls. With regard to gender differences, girls demonstrated an association between internalizing symptoms and drinking at age 12, whereas boys showed a stronger association between externalizing symptoms and drinking at age 18. CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE: Early alcohol use is problematic for youth, and results of this study lend support to prevention programs for youth. Preventing or curbing early drinking may offset later externalizing and internalizing symptoms, as well as ongoing alcohol use, regardless of gender.

Hospital outcomes in major depression among older adults: differences by alcohol comorbidity.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of depression in older adults has been increasing over the last 20 years and is associated with economic costs in the form of treatment utilization and caregiving, including inpatient hospitalization. Comorbid alcohol diagnoses may serve as a complicating factor in inpatient admissions and may lead to overutilization of care and greater economic cost. This study sought to isolate the comorbidity effect of alcohol among older adult hospital admissions for depression. METHODS: We analyzed a subsample (N = 8,480) of older adults (65+) from the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample who were hospitalized with primary depression diagnoses, 7,741 of whom had depression only and 739 of whom also had a comorbid alcohol disorder. To address potential selection bias based on drinking and health status, propensity score matching was used to compare length of stay, total costs, and disposition between the two groups. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses showed that older persons with depression and alcohol comorbidities were more often male (59.9% versus 34.0%, p <.001) and younger (70.9 versus 75.9 years, p <.001) than those with depression only. In terms of medical comorbidities, those with depression and alcohol disorders experienced more medical issues related to substance use (e.g., drug use diagnoses, liver disease, and suicidality; all p <.001), while those with depression only experienced more general medical problems (e.g., diabetes, renal failure, hypothyroid, and dementia; all p <.001). Propensity score matched models found that alcohol comorbidity was associated with shorter lengths of stay (on average 1.08 days, p <.02) and lower likelihood of post-hospitalization placement in a nursing home or other care facility (OR = 0.64, p <.001). No significant differences were found in overall costs or likelihood of discharge to a psychiatric hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In older adults, depression with alcohol comorbidity does not lead to increased costs or higher levels of care after discharge. Comorbidity may lead to inpatient hospitalization at lower levels of severity, and depression with alcohol comorbidity may be qualitatively different than non-comorbid depression. Additionally, increased costs and negative outcomes in this population may occur at other levels of care such as outpatient services or emergency department visits.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over primary motor vs non-motor cortical targets; effects on experimental hyperalgesia in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targetted to different cortical regions (primary motor/sensory, prefrontal) are known to alter somatosensory responses. The mechanism(s) for these effects are unclear. We compared the analgesic effects of rTMS at different cortical sites on hyperalgesia induced using topical capsaicin cream. METHODS: Fourteen healthy subjects had capsaicin cream applied to a 16 cm2 area of the medial aspect of the right wrist (60 min) on 4 separate occasions over 6 weeks. rTMS (10Hz for 10s/min = 2000 stimuli @ 90% resting motor threshold of first dorsal interosseus muscle) was applied to the optimum site for right hand (M1), left dorsolateral prefrontal (DLFPC) and occipital midline (OCC) in a pseudo-randomised order. Thermal and mechanical perception and pain thresholds were determined using standardised quantitative sensory testing (QST) methods at the capsaicin site. Subjective responses to thermal stimuli (pain score on a numerical rating scale) from -2.5°C to +2.5°C of the individualised heat pain threshold (HPT) resulted in a hyperalgesia curve. Sensory testing took place prior to capsaicin application (PRE-CAP), after 30 min of capsaicin (POST-CAP) and following rTMS (30 min = POST-TMS). RESULTS: Capsaicin application resulted in substantial changes in thermal (but not mechanical) sensitivity to both heat and cold (eg. HPT PRE-CAP = 43.6°C to POST-CAP = 36.7°C (p < 0.001)) with no differences between groups pre-rTMS. POST-TMS HPT showed no changes for any of the treatment groups, however the pain scores for the hyperalgesia curve were significantly lower for M1 vs OCC (-24.7%, p < 0.001) and for M1 vs DLFPC (-18.3%, p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: rTMS over the primary motor cortex results in a significant analgesic effect compared to other cortical areas.

Gender differences in stressful life events, social support, perceived stress, and alcohol use among older adults: results from a National Survey.

Stressful life events, perceived stress, and social support relationships with consumption, at-risk drinking, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) were studied in a population-based sample of current drinkers age 60+ in the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (Wave 2; 2004-2005; n = 4,360). Stressful life events were associated with AUD among men and women, and crime victimization among men only. However, greater perceived stress was associated with lower consumption among women and greater odds of AUD in men, highlighting differences in the relationship between stress and alcohol use by gender that may be the result of the stress alcohol link.

Somatosensory change and pain relief induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with central poststroke pain.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify changes in pain and somatosensory function in patients with central poststroke pain (CPSP) syndrome following five sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). METHODS: Fourteen CPSP patients underwent MRI-guided TMS mapping to identify the motor hotspot for evoked responses from a muscle corresponding to a painful region (hand, N = 11, or distal leg, N = 3). Targeted rTMS consisting of 2000 stimuli/10 Hz each session was delivered over five sessions. Quantitative somatosensory testing (QST) was performed within the painful area and at the contralateral mirror-image site at baseline and after the rTMS. RESULTS: At baseline there were significant sensory deficits of the affected body side for warm and cold detection and heat/cold pain thresholds. Following rTMS, sensory thresholds showed significant improvements for cold detection threshold (repeated-measures ANOVA, p = 0.04). Subjects' pain reports (numerical rating scale 0-10) showed modest but significant improvements in the first week after rTMS (baseline 7.0 ± 1.5; post-TMS 6.3 ± 1.5; Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.018), and these were largely maintained for up to four weeks post-rTMS. Improvements in warm detection threshold showed a significant correlation with decrease in pain score (Spearman's rank-order correlation, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Five sessions of open-label rTMS provided analgesia and improved thermal sensibility. The correlation of reduction of detection threshold for warmth and pain relief suggest that the effect of rTMS may be mediated via circuitries that share the processing of noxious and thermal signals, such as the insula and the somatosensory and anterior cingulate cortices. QST may have a role in the assessment of patients with neuropathic pain for suitability for rTMS treatment and is likely to add to our understanding of how rTMS induces pain relief.

Time Use and Well-Being in Family and Other Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults.

OBJECTIVES: Caregivers report limited freedom to engage with others, participate in physical activities, pursue leisure activities, and sleep. Few studies have focused on caregivers' time use across different activities, particularly how different patterns of time use are associated with well-being. This study aimed to (a) identify time-use profiles of family caregivers of older adults and (b) examine associations between identified time-use profiles and caregiver well-being. METHODS: We analyzed data from 1,640 family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults from Round 7 (2017) of the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Latent profile analysis was used to estimate time-use profiles based on 4 indicators (i.e., regenerative time, discretionary time, eldercare-related committed time, non-eldercare committed time). We conducted regressions to examine the relationship between the latent profiles and well-being outcomes. RESULTS: Three profiles of caregivers emerged based on time-use patterns. The Overloaded profile (20%) spent the greatest time in non-eldercare committed activities, such as household activities and paid work. The Flexible profile (49%) spent the most amount of time in social activities and physical activities, and the least amount of non-eldercare committed time compared to the other 2 caregiver types. Lastly, the Occupied profile (31%) allocated time relatively evenly in all activities. When comparing well-being outcomes, caregivers in the Flexible profile had lower levels of anxiety than the Occupied profile. DISCUSSION: The profiles acknowledge the diverse experiences of caregivers, underscoring the significance of granting them greater latitude in balancing eldercare responsibilities and personal life for enhanced well-being.

Functioning of alcohol use disorders criteria among middle-aged and older adults: implications for DSM-5.

This study explored dimensionality and rank-order severity of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) alcohol use disorder (AUD) criteria among adults 50+ years old. Secondary analysis was performed on data from individuals 50+ (N = 3,412) from the 2009 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and item response theory (IRT) analyses were performed on the 11 AUD criteria. DSM-IV and DSM fifth edition (DSM-5) classifications were compared. CFA revealed a one-factor model. IRT analyses revealed that AUD criteria identify only severe cases of AUD. Overall, 5.8% met criteria for a DSM-IV AUD; 7.5% met criteria for DSM-5 AUD.

Higher perceived stress during admission is associated with shorter retention in short-term residential substance use disorder treatment.

Introduction: Over one million people in the U.S. received residential treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2020. Longer treatment retention is associated with better outcomes (e.g., reduced substance use). Entering treatment with higher stress may be associated with shorter retention. This paper examines the impact of perceived stress at admission on SUD treatment retention in short-term residential treatment. Methods: A sample of 271 treatment episodes with admissions between October 2019 and February 2020 were collected from de-identified records of an urban mid-Atlantic adult 28-day short-term residential SUD treatment facility. Treatment completion involved finishing 28 days. Sociodemographic, substance use, perceived stress, and treatment discharge variables were analyzed. Bivariate analyses examined differences between treatment completion and early discharge, and Cox regression investigated the effect of perceived stress on treatment retention with covariates. Results: The sample was primarily male (73.8%) and non-Hispanic Black (71.6%). A majority used heroin as their primary substance (54.6%) and reported polysubstance use (72.3%). About half (51.3%) completed treatment, and completed an average of 18.7 (SD = 10.7) days. Those who prematurely discharged from treatment stayed an average of 8.9 (SD = 7.0) days. The Cox regression model found that higher perceived stress (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.028; 95% CI = [1.005, 1.053], p =.019) and a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic Black (AHR = 1.546, 95% CI = [1.037, 2.305], p =.033) predicted premature discharge. Conclusions: Perceived stress at admission is associated with shorter treatment retention. Early stress management interventions may help increase treatment retention.

The daily association between affect and alcohol use: A meta-analysis of individual participant data.

Influential psychological theories hypothesize that people consume alcohol in response to the experience of both negative and positive emotions. Despite two decades of daily diary and ecological momentary assessment research, it remains unclear whether people consume more alcohol on days they experience higher negative and positive affect in everyday life. In this preregistered meta-analysis, we synthesized the evidence for these daily associations between affect and alcohol use. We included individual participant data from 69 studies (N = 12,394), which used daily and momentary surveys to assess affect and the number of alcoholic drinks consumed. Results indicate that people are not more likely to drink on days they experience high negative affect, but are more likely to drink and drink heavily on days high in positive affect. People self-reporting a motivational tendency to drink-to-cope and drink-to-enhance consumed more alcohol, but not on days they experienced higher negative and positive affect. Results were robust across different operationalizations of affect, study designs, study populations, and individual characteristics. These findings challenge the long-held belief that people drink more alcohol following increases in negative affect. Integrating these findings under different theoretical models and limitations of this field of research, we collectively propose an agenda for future research to explore open questions surrounding affect and alcohol use.