Sensation seeking versus alcohol use: Evaluating temporal precedence using cross-lagged panel models

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Sensation seeking is a personality trait linked to risk-taking behaviors.
• Understanding the temporal relationship between sensation seeking and alcohol use is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether sensation seeking or alcohol use precedes the other over time.
• To compare different measurement approaches of sensation seeking in relation to alcohol consumption.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study with 201 US college students under 21.
• Two assessments one month apart using Sensation Seeking Scale-V (SSS-V), Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), and alcohol consumption measures.
• Cross-lagged panel models analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Main Results:

• The SSS-V and its subscale thrill & adventure seeking predicted future alcohol frequency and quantity.
• Disinhibition and alcohol quantity demonstrated a reciprocal, reinforcing relationship over time.
• The BSSS predicted future alcohol quantity, while boredom susceptibility and experience seeking showed no temporal link to alcohol behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The measurement of sensation seeking influences its observed temporal relationship with alcohol use.
• Specific facets of sensation seeking, like the SSS-V, are longitudinal precursors to alcohol consumption.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering measurement nuances in understanding sensation seeking and alcohol behavior dynamics.