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The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
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Differentiating between sensation seeking and impulsivity through their mediated relations with alcohol use and
Viktoriya Magid1, Michael G Maclean, Craig R Colder
1Psychology Department, Park Hall, University at Buffalo-SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA. vmagid@buffalo.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|March 3, 2007
Summary
This study found that sensation seeking and impulsivity uniquely predict alcohol use and problems in college students. Different pathways, including drinking motives, explain these associations, suggesting tailored interventions are needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Research
- Personality Science
Background:
- Disinhibition is linked to alcohol use, but its specific facets require further investigation.
- Sensation seeking and impulsivity, dimensions of disinhibition, have differential associations with alcohol outcomes.
- Understanding these unique risk mechanisms is crucial for effective alcohol research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sensation seeking and impulsivity as distinct predictors of alcohol use and problems.
- To explore drinking motives as potential mediators in the relationship between these personality traits and alcohol outcomes.
- To examine potential gender moderation of these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized self-reported data from a sample of 310 college students.
- Employed mediational analyses to test the proposed pathways.
- Assessed sensation seeking, impulsivity, drinking motives, and alcohol use/problems.
Main Results:
- Sensation seeking and impulsivity demonstrated unique predictive relationships with alcohol use and problems.
- Distinct mediational pathways were identified for sensation seeking and impulsivity.
- Preliminary evidence suggested gender moderates these relationships.
Conclusions:
- Sensation seeking and impulsivity influence alcohol use and problems through separate mechanisms.
- Drinking motives play a role in mediating these associations.
- Alcohol prevention and intervention strategies should be tailored to individuals high in impulsivity versus sensation seeking.
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