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Published on: April 28, 2022
I drink therefore I am: validating alcohol-related implicit association tests.
Kristen P Lindgren1, Clayton Neighbors, Bethany A Teachman
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. KPL9716@uw.edu
Summary
Predicting hazardous drinking in college students is crucial. The study found that the "Drinking Identity" Implicit Association Test (IAT) best predicted alcohol consumption and related problems, suggesting it as a valuable tool for interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Predicting hazardous drinking among college students is a significant public health concern.
- Implicit measures show potential for predicting alcohol consumption and related problems.
- Previous implicit measures for alcohol have not been directly compared, limiting understanding of their utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the predictive validity of five alcohol-related Implicit Association Tests (IATs).
- To identify the most effective implicit measure for predicting college student drinking behaviors and problems.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 300 undergraduate students.
- Five alcohol-related Implicit Association Tests (IATs) were administered.
- Predictive validity was assessed against alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, and alcohol cravings.
Main Results:
- The Drinking Identity IAT demonstrated the strongest and most consistent prediction of alcohol consumption, problems, and cravings.
- This IAT also exhibited superior internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
- Alcohol Excitement and Alcohol Approach IATs showed promise but had less consistent psychometric properties.
Conclusions:
- Implicit drinking identity, as measured by the Drinking Identity IAT, is a robust predictor of hazardous drinking behaviors and outcomes in college students.
- This implicit measure holds potential as a target for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies for alcohol misuse.
- Further research may refine the use of other implicit measures like Alcohol Excitement and Alcohol Approach IATs.
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