Cyders et al. (2007) extended the idea of “urgency” to “positive urgency,” which refers to the tendency to act rashly when experiencing extremely positive emotion. Thus, just as negative emotional states can increase impulsive behaviors, so can positive emotional states (Cyders & Smith, 2008; Whiteside & Lynam, 2001). Cyders et al. (2007) reported that positive urgency was related to both quantity of use and alcohol-related problems, independently of the effect of negative urgency, lack of planning, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking.
