Coping and Conformity Motives Mediate the Joint Effects of the Behavioral Inhibition and Approach Systems on Alcohol Problems in Young Adults

Bibliographic Data

ID21645780
AuthorsVanessa Morris (0000-0002-0077-428X, Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick Saint John, Saint John, Canada), Matthew T Keough (0000-0001-8567-2874, York University), Sherry H Stewart (0000-0003-3350-2712, Dalhousie University), Roisin M O’connor (0000-0003-2455-983X, Concordia University, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume58
Issue6
Pages787-795
Publication date2023-05-12
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSubstance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10826084.2023.2188460
PMID36943012
OpenAlexW4328048757
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited51

Background: Gray’s original Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) posits that an oversensitive behavioral inhibition system (BIS) may increase risk for negative-reinforcement-motivated drinking, given its role in anxiety. However, existing data provides mixed support for the BIS-alcohol use association. The inconsistent evidence is not surprising, as the revised RST predicts that the behavioral approach system (BAS) should moderate the effect of the BIS on alcohol use. A strong BAS is thought to bring attention to the negatively reinforcing effects of alcohol, leading to problem drinking among those with a strong BIS. While emerging results support this interaction, we still have much to learn about the mechanisms underlying this effect on alcohol use. Accordingly, we examined motives for alcohol use as mediators of the joint associations of the BIS and the BAS on drinking behaviors. Specifically, our central hypothesis was that individuals with a strong BIS and a strong BAS would endorse increased negative reinforcement motives for drinking (coping and conformity motives), which in turn would predict heavy drinking and alcohol problems. Method: Participants (N=346; 195 women) completed study measures as part of the baseline assessment for a larger study. Results: Overall, results partially supported the hypotheses. Mediated moderation analyses showed that the indirect effect of the BIS on alcohol problems, through coping and conformity motives, was strongest at high levels of the BAS. This effect was not supported for alcohol use. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that clinical interventions should target coping and conformity reasons for drinking among anxious, reward responsive, young adults

Alcohol · Anxiety · Behavioral inhibition · Conformity · Developmental psychology · Moderation · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Reinforcement · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology · Social Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

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