Impulsivity and risk-taking as predictors of alcohol use patterns and alcohol related-problems

Abstract

This study examined the predictive utility of self-report measures of impulsivity and risk-taking in alcohol use outcomes (i.e. quantity, frequency, binge frequency, and alcohol-related problems). Participants were 370 (265 women) college student drinkers between ages 18 and 25 years from a mid-size east coast university. Participants completed measures of impulsivity, risk-taking, alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems. Impulsivity and risk-taking contributed uniquely to approximately 12% in quantity, 4% in frequency, 12% in binge frequency, and 7% in alcohol-related problems, after controlling for age and gender. When controlling for risk-taking, impulsivity accounted for more incremental variance in alcohol use outcomes (9% in quantity, 4% in frequency, 6% in binge frequency, and 5% in problems). Regarding specific impulsivity subscales, motor impulsiveness was more predictive of alcohol use variables whereas attentional and non-planning impulsiveness were predictive of alcohol-related problems. Although the risk behaviors subscale predicted some drinking indices and problems, risk assessment was not associated with any alcohol use outcome. Overall, the findings provide support for the predictive utility of both impulsivity and risk-taking in accounting for variability in various alcohol use behaviors and alcohol-related problems; however, findings suggest that impulsivity may have a stronger and more consistent association with alcohol use patterns and problems. The inclusion of both constructs in theoretical frameworks may aid our conceptualization of the role disinhibition has in college drinking and provide information for intervening efforts aimed at reducing risky alcohol behaviors.