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Drinking like everyone else: trait self-control moderates the association between peer and personal heavy episodic
Eric Robinson1, Andrew Jones, Paul Christiansen
1University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building , Liverpool L69 7ZA , UK.
Substance Use & Misuse
|December 30, 2014
Summary
Young adults with low self-control are more influenced by peer drinking norms. High self-control individuals are less susceptible to social influences on heavy episodic drinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Social influence significantly impacts alcohol consumption patterns.
- Limited understanding exists regarding individual susceptibility to peer drinking behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trait social approval concerns, trait self-control, and the adoption of peer heavy episodic drinking patterns.
- To determine if self-control moderates the influence of perceived peer drinking on individual behavior.
Main Methods:
- Online study involving 1056 young adults.
- Measurement of trait social approval concerns (Need to Belong) and trait self-control (Self-Control scale).
- Assessment of personal heavy episodic drinking and perceptions of peer heavy episodic drinking.
Main Results:
- Perceived peer heavy episodic drinking was linked to heavier personal drinking.
- Trait self-control moderated this association, with a stronger link observed in individuals with low self-control.
- Trait social approval concerns did not significantly moderate the relationship between perceived and personal heavy episodic drinking.
Conclusions:
- Perceived social norms regarding heavy episodic drinking can act as an informational cue for individual alcohol consumption.
- Individual differences in self-control play a crucial role in determining the extent to which people follow or disregard these social cues.
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