The role of drinking context in the relationship between impulsivity and alcohol use in daily life
Abstract
Alcohol consumption among young adults is prevalent, with 29 percent of individuals reporting binge drinking in the past month. Impulsivity is a well-established risk factor for problematic alcohol use. However, little is known about the real-time association between momentary impulsivity and alcohol use, particularly in naturalistic settings. This study employed Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to investigate the relationship between trait and state impulsivity and alcohol-related behaviors, focusing on the moderating role of drinking context. Results revealed that both state and trait impulsivity were positively associated with breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) during drinking occasions. The association between momentary impulsivity and BrAC was moderated by drinking location, showing a stronger association when away from home. There was not a significant relationship between day-level impulsivity and alcohol-related consequences. This study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between impulsivity, drinking context, and alcohol-related behaviors, highlighting the importance of considering both trait and state impulsivity measures in naturalistic settings. The findings have implications for personalized interventions targeting impulsivity and contextual factors to mitigate alcohol-related harm among young adults.
Degree
M.A.