Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:12
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Personality and substance dependence symptoms: modeling substance-specific traits
Emily R Grekin1, Kenneth J Sher, Phillip K Wood
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA. grekine@missouri.edu
Summary
Certain personality traits, like neuroticism and disinhibition, predict substance use disorders (SUDs). This study found specific traits linked to alcohol, drug, and tobacco dependence, even after accounting for antisociality.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neuroticism and disinhibition are linked to substance use disorders (SUDs).
- The differential prediction of specific substance dependence forms by personality traits remains unclear.
- The predictive role of personality traits for SUDs, controlling for antisociality, needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether distinct personality traits predict specific types of substance dependence.
- To examine if personality traits predict alcohol, drug, and tobacco dependence after controlling for antisociality and other SUDs.
- To characterize the relationship between personality traits and substance dependence symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- Analysis of a sample of 3,720 college students.
- Assessment of personality traits, antisociality, and substance dependence symptoms.
Main Results:
- Antisociality and specific core personality traits were found to predict multiple forms of substance pathology.
- Several personality traits demonstrated differential associations with alcohol, drug, and tobacco symptomatology.
- The findings held even after controlling for comorbid antisociality and other SUDs.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits play a significant role in the development of various substance use disorders.
- Distinct personality profiles may be associated with specific patterns of alcohol, drug, and tobacco dependence.
- Understanding these personality-SUD links is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:29Introduction to Personality Psychology
Personality encompasses a set of enduring traits and behavioral patterns that define how individuals think, feel, and interact, ultimately shaping their unique identities. The concept of personality has deep historical roots, deriving from the Latin term "persona," which means "mask." This term initially referred to the roles played by actors in ancient theater, signifying the different facets individuals display in various contexts.
Early Theories of Personality
The study of personality dates...
Early Theories of Personality
The study of personality dates...
01:23Implicit Personality Theories
Implicit personality theory explains how individuals make assumptions about the relationships between personality traits, behaviors, and character types. When people learn that someone possesses a particular trait, they tend to infer the presence of other related characteristics, forming a cohesive impression. This cognitive shortcut plays a crucial role in social interactions and interpersonal judgments.Central Traits and Their InfluenceSolomon Asch's seminal 1946 study highlighted the power...
01:20Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic
Schizotypal personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder are two distinct psychological conditions classified under personality disorders, each characterized by unique behavioral patterns and social difficulties. Both disorders significantly affect interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being, leading to social isolation and frustration.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...