Testing a model of reward sensitivity, implicit and explicit drinker identity and hazardous drinking

Drew G. Tatnell, Natalie J. Loxton, Kathryn L. Modecki, Kyra Hamilton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate both implicit and explicit drinker identity as mediators of reward sensitivity and problematic drinking. University students engage in problematic levels of alcohol consumption, exposing them to increased negative health outcomes. Although personality traits (e.g. reward sensitivity) and social-cognitive variables (e.g. implicit and explicit drinker identity) have been used to investigate drinking behaviour, few studies link personality and multiple indices of drinker identity to problematic drinking. Design: University students (N = 136) completed a drinker identity implicit association test, and questionnaires measuring reward sensitivity, explicit binge drinker identity and problematic drinking as part of a lab-based correlational study. Main Outcome Measures: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was the main outcome measure with participants self-reporting drinking frequency, quantity and negative physical and psychological outcomes of drinking over the past 3-months. Results: A mediation model revealed that reward sensitivity was significantly associated with explicit, but not implicit, binge drinker identity. Explicit binge drinker identity mediated the reward sensitivity and problematic drinking association. Conclusion: This research provides an evidence base for identity-based drinking interventions for students characterised by high reward sensitivity, by promoting identities that do not idealise problematic drinking behaviour.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1407-1420
Number of pages14
JournalPsychology and Health
Volume34
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2019
Externally publishedYes

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