Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
05:40
The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Self-determination and substance use: is effortful control a mediator?
Maria M Wong1, Sarah E Rowland
1Department of Psychology, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA. wongmari@isu.edu
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|February 21, 2013
Summary
College students
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Alcohol and drug use are prevalent among US college students.
- Understanding motivational factors influencing substance use is critical.
- This study investigates autonomy and controlled orientations and their link to substance use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between motivational orientations (autonomy, controlled) and college student substance use.
- To investigate the mediating role of effortful control in this relationship.
- To identify motivational factors associated with alcohol and drug use problems.
Main Methods:
- 644 undergraduate students completed online questionnaires.
- Data collected as part of a larger longitudinal study on sleep and substance use.
- Statistical analyses examined motivational orientations, effortful control, and substance use patterns.
Main Results:
- Higher autonomy orientation correlated with lower alcohol consumption.
- Higher controlled orientation correlated with higher alcohol consumption and increased alcohol-related problems.
- Effortful control mediated the link between motivational orientations and alcohol use frequency.
Conclusions:
- Interventions should promote self-control strategies to mitigate college drinking.
- Education on resisting peer pressure and alternative activities can be beneficial.
- Addressing underlying motivations and psychological needs is key for substance use prevention.
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