Shame-and-guilt-proneness, interpersonal sensitivity, and alcohol: Results from a moderated mediation

Abstract

BackgroundShame-proneness has been consistently associated with more problematic alcohol outcomes, and guilt-proneness has been associated with fewer. The aim of this study was to determine if the associations of shame-and-guilt-proneness with alcohol outcomes vary as a function of interpersonal sensitivity. MethodA longitudinal study examined shame-proneness and guilt-proneness as predictors of alcohol consumption and related problems one month later. This research was conducted at a large public university in the United States. ResultsParticipants (N=414) were heavy-drinking college students (51% female) with a mean age of 21.76 (SD=2.02) who consumed an average of 12.13 (SD=8.81) standard drinks per week. Shame-proneness, but not guilt-proneness, was directly associated with increased drinking and indirectly associated with increased problems. The indirect effects of shame on problems through drinking were stronger at higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity. ConclusionsResults suggest that shame-proneness may increase alcohol consumption and subsequent problems among those high in interpersonal sensitivity. Alcohol may be used as a means to withdraw from social threats that are amplified by interpersonal sensitivity.