Unique Direct and Indirect Effects of Impulsivity-Like Traits on Alcohol-Related Outcomes via Protective Behavioral Strategies

• NCJ Number: 243860
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: 2012 Pages: 425-446
• Author(s): Matthew R. Pearson, Ph.D.; Benjamin A. Kite, B.S.; James M. Henson, Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2012
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether the use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) mediates the effects of impulsivity-like traits on alcohol-related problems using a sample of 278 college students.

Abstract

In the present study, the authors examined whether the use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) mediates the effects of impulsivity-like traits on alcohol-related problems using a sample of 278 college students. Validating the five-factor model of impulsivity showed that each impulsivity-like trait had a distinct pattern of relationships with PBS and/or alcohol outcomes. Further validating the three-factor model of PBS (Limiting/Stopping Drinking, Manner of Drinking, and Serious Harm Reduction)found that each type of PBS had unique antecedents (i.e., predicted by different impulsivity-like traits) and unique prediction (i.e., predicted alcohol use/problems differently). This report discusses the implications of these findings for the study of etiology of alcohol misuse as well as for intervention development. (Published Abstract)