Previous studies show that recovering alcoholics exhibit deficits in perceiving facial affect. The present study investigates whether these deficits are present prior to the onset of alcoholism. Participants with a family history of alcoholism (FHP) and participants without such a family history (FHN) selected the emotion label they felt most closely corresponded with stimuli viewed on a computer screen. Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Survey was also completed. The data revealed a relationship between family history of alcoholism and the perception of facial expressions. Additionally, FHP participants were higher in sensation seeking compared to FHN participants and high sensation seekers were less accurate in categorizing fearful expressions. Disinhibition and boredom susceptibility were identified as the traits driving the effect between sensation seeking and fear categorization accuracy. An account of how these traits may be associated with both decreased fear perception and a greater risk for alcoholism is discussed, and future research directions suggested.

Sons of male alcoholics (SOMAs) are at increased risk for the development of alcoholism, and are apparently characterized by other abnormalities. It is possible that one or more of these abnormalities might serve as a marker for the alcoholic predisposition. Research described in this thesis, conducted in the hopes of identifying such a marker, was designed (1) to separate the relative pharmacological and psychological effects of acute alcohol intoxication upon neuropsychological functioning; (2) to investigate the neuropsychological function of SOMAs with a multigenerational family history of male alcoholism; (3) to examine the relationship between SOMAs' neuropsychological function and their cardiovascular hyper-reactivity to threat of and aversive stimuli; and (4) to investigate the relationship between a number of cardiovascular response patterns and voluntary weekly alcohol consumption. These studies are linked conceptually, within the context of a general theory of information-processing and action.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2003. / Advisor: B. G. Galef, Jr. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-115). Also available via World Wide Web.

Thesis (BA(Hons) (Psychology)) - Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 2006. / "October 2006". A thesis is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours), Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology - 2006. Typescript.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carleton University, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 368-393). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (p.48-65).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1997. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [72]-78).

Thesis--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1967. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Raymond A. Patouillet. Dissertation Committee: James L. Malfetti. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-72). Also available via the Internet.