Modeling the Distinct Negative-Reinforcement Mechanisms Associated with Alcohol Misuse and Unhealthy Snacking.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Negative personality traits are linked to overconsumption of alcohol and food.
• Coping motivations (using substances/food to deal with negative emotions) may mediate the relationship between personality and overconsumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if coping motivations mediate the link between personality (hopelessness/anxiety sensitivity) and hazardous drinking/unhealthy snacking.
• To determine if eating to cope and drinking to cope are distinct strategies.

Main Methods:

• 198 participants (undergraduates, volunteers, public) completed questionnaires.
• Measures included: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Substance Use Risk Profile Scale, and scales for drinking/eating motives and intake.

Main Results:

• The model supported the hypothesis: anxiety sensitivity/hopelessness predicted coping, which in turn predicted unhealthy snacking and hazardous drinking.
• Eating to cope was associated with unhealthy snacking, and drinking to cope with hazardous drinking.
• No significant overlap was found between eating to cope and hazardous drinking, or drinking to cope and snacking, indicating distinct strategies.

Conclusions:

• Coping motivations are crucial mediators between negative personality traits and unhealthy behaviors.
• Distinct negative-reinforcement pathways exist for hazardous drinking and unhealthy snacking, particularly in a majority university-educated female population.