Restrained eating and alcohol use: Testing drinking to cope and impulsivity as moderators

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Addiction Research

Background:

• The relationship between restrained eating and alcohol consumption is not well understood in undergraduate populations.
• Tension reduction theory suggests individuals with disordered eating may use alcohol to manage negative emotions.
• Impulsivity may drive alcohol consumption despite dietary restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the moderating roles of drinking to cope and impulsivity on the link between restrained eating and alcohol use/problems.
• To investigate how coping motives and impulsivity influence alcohol outcomes in individuals with restrained eating patterns.

Main Methods:

• A moderation model was employed with a sample of 1,619 undergraduates.
• Participants completed self-report measures for eating disorder symptoms, alcohol use motives, impulsivity, and alcohol-related outcomes.
• Statistical analyses assessed the interaction effects of key variables.

Main Results:

• Restrained eating was a significant predictor of past 30-day alcohol use.
• This association was significant only for women exhibiting high levels of both drinking to cope and impulsivity.
• No significant moderation effects were found for men in the sample.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight a specific risk profile for alcohol misuse among women who restrict eating and possess high drinking to cope and impulsivity traits.
• Understanding these combined factors is crucial for characterizing alcohol misuse risk in young adults with eating concerns.
• Results may guide the development of tailored interventions for at-risk undergraduate populations.