Bethany Sanov
Advisor: Kasey Creswell
Major: Psychology
Minor: Gender Studies
Acute Alcoholic Effects on Emotion Recognition Among Community Samples: A Meta-Analysis
Acute alcohol use can cause negative social problems, like increased aggression, and have strong social facilitate effects, like increased social bonding. But, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Emotion recognition may partially explain these effects given past research suggests it has a vital role in normative social functioning. Impairments and/or improvements in emotion recognition following intoxication may therefore contribute to these alcohol-induced social outcomes. However, predominant theories and findings from the literature are mixed and inconsistent. The current project aims to clarify the strength and direction of alcohol’s acute effects on recognition for positive and negative emotions utilizing a meta-analytic approach. Results may enhance our understanding of acute alcoholic effects, and may inform future interventions focused on social impairment and facilitation.
Bio
From an early age, Sanov has questioned and pushed the bounds of what is labeled as “normal” or “acceptable” by society. This mindset was cultivated in large part because of Sanov’s mixed familial heritage: her mother’s family immigrated from Mexico, while her father’s family escaped from Russia during the Holocaust. Sanov is particularly interested in studying mental health and related health disparities, and continues to cultivate an inclusive perspective aimed at empowering societal minorities historically oppressed and forgotten about. This is reflected by Sanov’s academic focus in clinical psychology and gender studies.