Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
05:12
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Heavy episodic drinking among dating partners: a longitudinal actor-partner interdependence model.
Aislin R Mushquash1, Sherry H Stewart, Simon B Sherry
1Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Summary
Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is a persistent problem for young adults. Romantic partners influence each other's HED, suggesting relationships play a role in sustaining this behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Heavy episodic drinking (HED) remains a significant public health concern among young adults.
- Existing research often overemphasizes intrapersonal factors, neglecting the role of interpersonal dynamics.
- Understanding relationship influences is crucial for addressing persistent HED rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the partner influence hypothesis regarding romantic relationships and HED.
- To examine how partners influence each other's heavy episodic drinking over time.
- To investigate the stability and interpersonal dynamics of HED in young adult couples.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design with 208 young, nonmarried, heterosexual dating couples.
- HED measures collected at baseline and a 28-day follow-up.
- Actor-partner interdependence modeling (APIM) used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant actor effects indicated stability in individual HED over time.
- Significant partner effects revealed that one partner's HED influenced the other's future HED.
- Both men and women showed small but significant interpersonal influence on their partners' HED.
Conclusions:
- Results support the partner influence hypothesis, indicating HED is partly sustained by interpersonal dynamics.
- Interpersonal factors, specifically partner influence, contribute to the perpetuation of HED.
- Prevention and intervention strategies should integrate both intrapersonal and interpersonal considerations for young adults.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Relationship Growth
Interpersonal relationships progress through stages, beginning with awareness and moving toward mutuality, where emotional connections deepen. While many relationships remain at moderate levels of mutuality, deeper connections form through self-disclosure, trust, and interdependence.Self-DisclosureSelf-disclosure involves revealing personal information, starting with surface-level details and gradually progressing to more intimate content. As trust grows, individuals feel more comfortable...
02:06Social Exchange Theory
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
01:26Social Exchange Theory
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:28Ending Relationships
The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...