Showing papers in "Psychology of Addictive Behaviors in 2004"
TL;DR: It is suggested that parents continue to exert an influential role in late adolescent drinking behavior, such that higher levels of perceived parental involvement were associated with weaker relations between peer influences and alcohol use and problems.
Abstract: This study investigated the influences of peer and parent variables on alcohol use and problems in a sample of late adolescents in the summer immediately prior to entry into college. Participants (N = 556) completed a mail survey assessing peer influences (alcohol offers, social modeling, perceived norms), parental behaviors (nurturance, monitoring), and attitudes and values (disapproval for heavy drinking, permissiveness for drinking), and alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated significant associations between both peer and parental influences and alcohol involvement, and showed that parental influences moderated peer-influence-drinking behavior, such that higher levels of perceived parental involvement were associated with weaker relations between peer influences and alcohol use and problems. These findings suggest that parents continue to exert an influential role in late adolescent drinking behavior.
602 citations
TL;DR: Examination of Greek students' perceptions of alcohol consumption in their pledge classes and acceptability of drinking and the ability of normative influences to predict drinking behavior, alcohol-related negative consequences, and symptoms of alcohol dependence concurrently and prospectively over 1 year revealed that descriptive norms significantly predicted concurrent drinking.
Abstract: The authors examined the relation between Greek students' perceptions of alcohol consumption in their pledge classes (descriptive norms) and acceptability of drinking (injunctive norms) and the ability of these normative influences to predict drinking behavior, alcohol-related negative consequences, and symptoms of alcohol dependence concurrently and prospectively over 1 year. Participants were 279 men and 303 women recruited from incoming pledge classes of 12 fraternities and 6 sororities, who completed measures of descriptive and injunctive norms, alcohol use, and consequences. Results revealed that descriptive norms significantly predicted concurrent drinking. After controlling for baseline drinking, injunctive norms significantly predicted drinking 1 year later and predicted alcohol-related consequences and dependency symptoms at baseline and follow-up. The potential to incorporate injunctive norms into preventive interventions is discussed.
420 citations
TL;DR: Perceptions of same-sex and opposite-sex gender-specific versus gender-nonspecific drinking norms among college students are evaluated and it is suggested that perceived same- sex norms are more strongly associated with problematic drinking than are gender- nONSpecific norms and that perceivedSame-sex drinking norms are stronger predictors of alcohol consumption for women than for men.
Abstract: This study evaluated perceptions of same-sex and opposite-sex gender-specific versus gender-nonspecific drinking norms among college students (115 men, 111 women). This research is consistent with previous findings that college students overestimate the quantity and frequency of drinking among their gender-nonspecific peers and demonstrates that both men and women overestimate the quantity and frequency of the drinking of their same-sex peers. The findings suggest that perceived same-sex norms are more strongly associated with problematic drinking than are gender-nonspecific norms and that perceived same-sex drinking norms are stronger predictors of alcohol consumption for women than for men. Results suggest that interventions incorporating normative feedback should be framed differently for women than for men.
367 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that males with serious gambling problems were more likely than their peers to abuse substances and to use avoidant stress-coping strategies, such as seeking emotional outlets, distracting themselves with other activities, and using humor.
Abstract: This study examines the relationship of impulsivity, sensation seeking, coping, and substance use to disordered gambling in a sample of 1,339 youth (637 males and 702 females), 17–21 years old. Results indicate that males with serious gambling problems were more likely than their peers to abuse substances and to use avoidant stress-coping strategies, such as seeking emotional outlets, distracting themselves with other activities, and using humor. In contrast, female disordered gamblers were less likely to engage in active coping and planning strategies. Overall, substance use, coping through distraction, and impulsivity proved the most predictive of disordered gambling for males, and intensity seeking and impulsivity proved most predictive for females. Implications for prevention, intervention, and education are discussed. The increasing recognition of pathological gambling as a public health issue has fostered a growing concern over the gambling behavior of youth and resulting implications for future adult gambling. Studies suggest that 24%– 40% of adolescents gamble weekly, 10%–14% are at risk for gambling problems, and 2%–9% meet diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling (for reviews of youth gambling, see Griffiths, 1995; Hardoon & Derevensky, 2002; Jacobs, 1993, 2000; National Research Council, 1999; Shaffer & Hall, 1996; Stinchfield & Winters, 1998). The mean prevalence rate for adolescent pathological gambling is estimated at 5.0%—more than three times the 1.5% average for adults (National Research Council, 1999).
312 citations
TL;DR: The authors empirically examined the relations between several psychosocial variables associated with adolescent problem gambling, and found that having family problems, having conduct problems, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, and being male may lead to problem gambling.
Abstract: The authors empirically examined the relations between several psychosocial variables associated with adolescent problem gambling Participants were 2,336 students in Grades 7-13, and all completed a questionnaire regarding gambling activities, gambling severity, perceived social support, drug and alcohol dependence, and various social, emotional, and behavioral problems With respect to gambling severity, 49% of adolescents met the criteria for pathological gambling, and 80% were found to be at risk Psychosocial difficulties associated with problem gambling include poor perceived familial and peer social support, substance use problems, conduct problems, family problems, and parental involvement in gambling and substance use A set of predictor variables that may lead to problem gambling includes having family problems, having conduct problems, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, and being male
271 citations
TL;DR: Comparative effects of parent and peer support on adolescent substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) with data from 2 assessments of a multiethnic sample of 1,826 adolescents, mean age 12.3 years indicated that parental support was inversely related to substance use and that peer support was positively related to substances use, as a suppression effect.
Abstract: This research tested comparative effects of parent and peer support on adolescent substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) with data from 2 assessments of a multiethnic sample of 1,826 adolescents, mean age 12.3 years. Multiple regression analyses indicated that parental support was inversely related to substance use and that peer support was positively related to substance use, as a suppression effect. Structural modeling analyses indicated that effects of support were mediated through pathways involving good self-control, poor self-control, and risk-taking tendency; parent and peer support had different patterns of relations to these mediators. The mediators had pathways to substance use through positive and negative recent events and through peer affiliations. Effects for gender and ethnicity were also noted. Mechanisms of operation for parent and peer support are discussed.
254 citations
TL;DR: Only 1 of the 14 tests of main effect differences between ethnic groups was significant and none of the 49 tests of whether ethnicity moderated the relations of risk factors to eating pathology were significant.
Abstract: Sociocultural models of eating pathology posit that ethnic minority groups should show fewer eating disturbances than Whites. Thus, the authors tested whether there were ethnic differences in eating disorder symptoms and risk factors for eating pathology and whether the relations between risk factors and eating pathology differed across ethnic groups, with data from adolescent and adult females (N = 785). Only 1 of the 14 tests of main effect differences between ethnic groups was significant and none of the 49 tests of whether ethnicity moderated the relations of risk factors to eating pathology were significant. Findings provide little support for the hypothesized ethnic differences in eating disturbances and suggest that ethnic minority groups have reached parity with Whites in this domain.
242 citations
TL;DR: Results indicated that less frequent use of PBS was related to a greater likelihood of experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences, even after accounting for the effects of gender and alcohol consumption.
Abstract: Prior research has examined a number of individual characteristics (e.g., gender, family connectedness) that protect individuals from engaging in heavy drinking and experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences, but less is known about specific behavioral strategies that might also serve as protective factors. In this study, 556 undergraduate students completed the National College Health Assessment (American College Health Association, 2000) and answered questions regarding the use of specific protective behavioral strategies (PBS), alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related consequences. Results indicated that less frequent use of PBS was related to a greater likelihood of experiencing negative alcohol-related consequences, even after accounting for the effects of gender and alcohol consumption. These results suggest that PBS may be an important component of both prevention and treatment programs for college students.
240 citations
TL;DR: Positive family relations and parental monitoring were strongly associated with attenuated marijuana use hut only among those most knowledgeable about drugs, and Familism and monitoring were not associated with diminished usage among the less knowledgeable.
Abstract: The authors investigated relationships between marijuana and inhalant use and several cultural and demographic factors in Anglo American and Hispanic American adolescents (N 1,094). Outcome measures assessed lifetime and 30-day marijuana and inhalant use. Predictors and covariates used in logistic regression analyses were region, grade, gender, knowledge, acculturation, familism, and parental monitoring. Hispanic Americans exhibited higher usage across all measures. In this group, high acculturation was associated with low marijuana, but high inhalant, use. Across all participants, positive family relations and parental monitoring were strongly associated with attenuated marijuana use but only among those most knowledgeable about drugs. Familism and monitoring were not associated with diminished usage among the less knowledgeable. For inhalants, monitoring combined with high knowledge or high familism was associated with diminished usage. Adolescent illicit drug use is widely regarded as one of today’s most important social concerns. In a recent Gallup poll (Gallup Organization, 2001), 80% of those surveyed considered drug use to be a very serious or extremely serious problem, and the available evidence suggests this concern is warranted. For example, although adolescent substance use has leveled off in recent years, the proportion of teenagers using illicit drugs remains high. Figures gathered in Johnston, O’Malley, and Bachman’s (2001) Monitoring the Future (MTF) study indicate that 19.5% of 8th graders, 36.4% of 10th graders, and 40.9% of 12th graders reported having used some illicit drug at least once over the past year. By the time today’s adolescents reach 12th grade, 54% will have tried some illicit drug at least once. Drug use among young adolescents may have serious immediate and long-term implications. Among female adolescents, higher rates of illicit drug use are associated with higher levels of risky sex and the consequent risk of HIV infection (Lanctot & Smith, 2001; Millstein, Moscicki, & Broering, 1994). Drug use in early adolescence is associated with later deviant and other problematic behavior (Guy, Smith, & Bentler, 1994) and enhances the likelihood of high school drop out, especially among Hispanic American students (Ellickson, Bui, Bell, & McGuigan, 1998).
209 citations
TL;DR: The Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) was administered to 233 undergraduates along with 4 measures pertaining to loneliness and boredom proneness and no evidence for widespread Internet addiction was found.
Abstract: The Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) is a self-report instrument based on the 7 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) substance dependence criteria and 2 additional criteria recommended by Griffiths (1998). The IAS was administered to 233 undergraduates along with 4 measures pertaining to loneliness and boredom proneness. An item reliability analysis reduced the initial scale from 36 to 31 items (with a Cronbach's alpha of .95). A principal-components analysis indicated that the IAS consisted mainly of one factor. Multiple regression analyses revealed that Family and Social Loneliness and Boredom Proneness were significantly correlated with the IAS; Family and Social Loneliness uniquely predicted IAS scores. No evidence for widespread Internet addiction was found.
184 citations
TL;DR: Trait urgency (the tendency to act rashly when distressed) is a risk factor for both alcohol abuse and bulimic symptoms, disorder-specific expectancies influence whether one engages in one behavior or the other, and expectancies moderate urgency's influence on those behaviors.
Abstract: The authors propose that trait urgency (the tendency to act rashly when distressed) is a risk factor for both alcohol abuse and bulimic symptoms, that disorder-specific expectancies influence whether one engages in one behavior or the other, and that expectancies moderate urgency's influence on those behaviors. Cross-sectional findings were consistent with the model. Problems from alcohol use were comorbid with binge eating and purging. Trait urgency was associated with both behaviors. Alcohol expectancies were associated with drinking levels and with problem drinking, but not with eating. Eating expectancies were associated with binge eating, but not with alcohol use or problems. Urgency's effect on binge eating was moderated by expectancies, but its effect on alcohol use and problem drinking was not.
TL;DR: Results showed that undercontrol and parental discipline mediated 58% of the effect of parental alcoholism on drug use disorders and was further moderated by parental support, which may mean that highly undercontrolled adolescents may have such a strong diathesis for drug use disorder that buffers may not have the same effect as in those with better control.
Abstract: This study tested whether the effects of parental alcoholism on drug use disorders in emerging adulthood were mediated by behavioral undercontrol and parenting in adolescence and whether parenting buffered the relation between undercontrol and drug use disorders. Participants were 175 children of alcoholics and 190 matched control participants from an ongoing longitudinal study (L. Chassin, F. Rogosch, & M. Barrera, 1991). Results showed that undercontrol and parental discipline mediated 58% of the effect of parental alcoholism on drug use disorders. The relation between behavioral undercontrol and drug use disorders was further moderated by parental support. This effect was "protective but reactive" (S. S. Luthar, D. Cicchetti, & B. Becker, 2000); at high levels of behavioral undercontrol the protective effect of parental support was lost. Highly undercontrolled adolescents may have such a strong diathesis for drug use disorders that buffers may not have the same effect as in those with better control.
TL;DR: A new public health regional exposure model (REM) is described that provides a tool to gather empirical evidence in support of either exposure or adaptation models, and how the strategic REM, modified to examine gambling exposure, uses standardized indices of exposure to social phenomena at the regional level to quantify social constructs.
Abstract: Exposure and adaptation models provide competing perspectives of the environmental influence on the development of addictive disorders. Exposure theory suggests that the presence of environmental toxins (e.g., casinos) increases the likelihood of related disease (e.g., gambling-related disorders). Adaptation theory proposes that new environmental toxins initially increase adverse reactions; subsequently, symptoms diminish as individuals adapt to such toxins and acquire resistance. The authors describe a new public health regional exposure model (REM) that provides a tool to gather empirical evidence in support of either model. This article demonstrates how the strategic REM, modified to examine gambling exposure, uses standardized indices of exposure to social phenomena at the regional level to quantify social constructs.
TL;DR: The authors developed and validated the 6-item Gambling Urge Questionnaire (GUS), which was based on the 8-item Alcohol Urgequestionnaire, suggesting that the GUS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gambling urges among nonclinical gamblers.
Abstract: The urge to gamble is a physiological, psychological, or emotional motivational state, often associated with continued gambling. The authors developed and validated the 6-item Gambling Urge Questionnaire (GUS), which was based on the 8-item Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (M. J. Bohn, D. D. Krahn, & B. A. Staehler, 1995), using 968 community-based participants. Exploratory factor analysis using half of the sample indicated a 1-factor solution that accounted for 55.18% of the total variance. This was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis with the other half of the sample. The GUS had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of.81. Concurrent, predictive, and criterion-related validity of the GUS were good, suggesting that the GUS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gambling urges among nonclinical gamblers.
TL;DR: The author reviewed empirical literature on positive and negative aspects of the structure of problem drinkers' social networks, the impact of the social network on problem recognition, social network predictors of treatment outcomes, treatments that involve the socialnetwork in treatment, and posttreatment changes in social network structure and functioning.
Abstract: Although social networks play an integral role in the recognition and resolution of drinking problems, social network influences may be positive, negative, or mixed. The author reviewed empirical literature on positive and negative aspects of the structure of problem drinkers' social networks, the impact of the social network on problem recognition, social network predictors of treatment outcomes, treatments that involve the social network in treatment, and posttreatment changes in social network structure and functioning. Future directions for research and clinical implications of research findings are discussed.
TL;DR: Pretreatment STS scores were significantly related to self-ratings at posttreatment, and the STS predicted treatment outcomes over and above the contribution of the five-factor model of personality.
Abstract: Does the Spiritual Transcendence Scale (STS; R. L. Piedmont, 1999) predict psychosocial outcomes from an outpatient substance abuse program? Self-report data on symptoms, personality, and coping resources were obtained for 73 consecutive admissions (57 men and 16 women; ages 19-66 years) at intake and again from the 56 (47 men and 9 women) who completed treatment. Controlling for relevant demographic variables, pretreatment STS scores were significantly related to self-ratings at posttreatment. The STS predicted treatment outcomes over and above the contribution of the five-factor model of personality. Significant partial correlations between pretreatment STS scores and therapist ratings of treatment outcome were also obtained. Spiritual Transcendence, especially the facets of Universality and Connectedness, appears to play a significant role in substance abuse recovery.
TL;DR: Results showed that adolescent gambling frequency was related to both parents' gambling frequency and problems, however, adolescent gambling problems were linked only to fathers' severity of gambling problems.
Abstract: This study explored the possible links between family risk factors (i.e., parent gambling and parenting practices) and adolescent gambling. A community sample of 938 adolescents (496 females and 442 males) completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA; K. C. Winters, R. Stinchfield, & J. Fulkerson, 1993b) along with a questionnaire assessing parenting practices. Both parents completed the SOGS (H. R. Lesieur & S. B. Blume, 1987). Results showed that adolescent gambling frequency was related to both parents' gambling frequency and problems. However, adolescent gambling problems were linked only to fathers' severity of gambling problems. Low levels of parental monitoring enhanced adolescents' risk of getting involved in gambling activities and developing related problems. A higher level of inadequate disciplinary practices was also related to greater gambling problems in youth. These links were significant after controlling for socioeconomic status, gender, and impulsivity-hyperactivity problems.
TL;DR: Among comorbid youth, internalizing disordered adolescents were less likely to use substances during the follow-up period, and externalized disordered youth returned to substance use most rapidly after discharge from treatment.
Abstract: Treatment outcomes of 126 adolescents (13-18 years old) with comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) and Axis I psychiatric disorders (mood, anxiety, conduct, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders) were compared to 81 SUD adolescents with no additional Axis I disorder. Participants completed structured interviews and symptom measures while participating in an adolescent treatment program and at 6 months following treatment. Results indicated that comorbid youth received more treatment during the outcome period; despite this, more comorbid SUD-Axis I disordered adolescents used substances following treatment than SUD-only youth, even after controlling for socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Among comorbid youth, internalizing disordered adolescents were less likely to use substances during the follow-up period, and externalizing disordered youth returned to substance use most rapidly after discharge from treatment.
TL;DR: The results support the effectiveness of a brief telephone- and mail-based treatment for problem gamblers.
Abstract: A 24-month follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of 2 brief treatments for problem gambling (N = 67) revealed an advantage for participants who received a motivational telephone intervention plus a self-help workbook compared with participants who received only the workbook. Although the 2 groups did not differ in the number of participants reporting 6 months of abstinence, the motivational intervention group gambled fewer days, lost less money, and had lower South Oaks Gambling Screen scores. They were more likely to be categorized as improved compared with the self-help workbook only group. Overall, the results support the effectiveness of a brief telephone- and mail-based treatment for problem gamblers.
TL;DR: An arousal-control and cross-over design was used to evaluate the reliability, specificity, and validity of the NAPS, a cue exposure protocol with sets of visual alcohol, cigarette, and control cues, and the utility of conceptualizing cue reactivity as a multidimensional phenomenon involving independent approach and avoidance dimensions.
Abstract: An arousal-control and cross-over design was used to evaluate the reliability, specificity, and validity of the Normative Appetitive Picture System (NAPS), a cue exposure protocol with sets of visual alcohol, cigarette, and control cues. The authors also examined the utility of conceptualizing cue reactivity as a multidimensional phenomenon involving independent approach and avoidance dimensions. University student participants (n=369) rated multiple cue images in terms of arousing properties and capacity to elicit separate approach and avoidance inclinations. They also completed a battery of substance-related individual-difference measures. Results indicated that NAPS protocol reactivity profiles had good reliability and high specificity across cue types and individuals with different substance use histories. Avoidance reactivity independently predicted self-reports of substance-related behaviors, after controlling for approach reactivity.
TL;DR: Repeated measures analyses of substance use, psychological functioning, and crime outcomes collected 3, 6, and 12 months after the baseline interview demonstrated that Phoenix Academy treatment is associated with superior substance use and psychological functioning outcomes over the period of observation.
Abstract: Whereas strong efficacy research has been conducted on novel treatment approaches for adolescent substance abusers, little is known about the effectiveness of the substance abuse treatment approaches most commonly available to youths, their families, and referring agencies. This report compares the 12-month outcomes of adolescent probationers (N = 449) who received either Phoenix Academy, a therapeutic community for adolescents that uses a treatment model that is widely implemented across the U.S., or an alternative probation disposition. Across many pretreatment risk factors for relapse and recidivism, groups were well matched after case-mix adjustment. Repeated measures analyses of substance use, psychological functioning, and crime outcomes collected 3, 6, and 12 months after the baseline interview demonstrated that Phoenix Academy treatment is associated with superior substance use and psychological functioning outcomes over the period of observation. As one of the most rigorous evaluations of the effectiveness of a traditional community-based adolescent drug treatment program, this study provides evidence that one such program is effective. Implications of this finding for the dissemination of efficacious novel treatment approaches are discussed.
TL;DR: Findings build on laboratory studies and cross-sectional surveys by showing that in naturalistic settings, occasions with negative events and perceived stress are associated with smoking and urges to smoke.
Abstract: The author used a multilevel daily process design to examine relations among daily negative events, perceived stress, smoking, and smoking urges. The moderating effects of gender and nicotine dependence were also explored. Fifty-one adult community-residing smokers recorded negative events, perceived stress, cigarette smoking, and urges to smoke 4 times daily for 14 days. Analyses of within-person relations showed that participants smoked more cigarettes and experienced more urges to smoke on occasions with higher numbers of negative events and higher levels of perceived stress. These relations were stronger for men than for women. Nicotine dependence did not interact with events or stress in predicting smoking or urges. These findings build on laboratory studies and cross-sectional surveys by showing that in naturalistic settings, occasions with negative events and perceived stress are associated with smoking and urges to smoke.
TL;DR: Substitutes were school involvement, academic performance, physical activity, and sports team participation; complements were peer smoking and substance use; delay discounting assessed individual differences in reinforcer value.
Abstract: Adolescents' choice to smoke may depend on substitute reinforcers for smoking, complementary activities to smoking, and individual differences in reinforcer value. The influence of these variables on smoking was determined among 983 adolescents. Substitutes were school involvement, academic performance, physical activity, and sports team participation: complements were peer smoking and substance use; delay discounting assessed individual differences in reinforcer value. Latent growth modeling indicated that substitute reinforcers reduced the odds of smoking progression almost two-fold, complementary reinforcers increased the odds by 1.14. and delay discounting indirectly influenced the odds of smoking progression through complementary reinforcers. Adolescents who smoke may have fewer reinforcers that protect against smoking and more reinforcers that promote smoking. Discounting of future rewards affects smoking through reinforcer type.
TL;DR: Exposure to musical mood induction procedures (MMIP) differentially increases the strength of specific alcohol expectancies for coping motivated (CM) versus enhancement motivated (EM) drinkers, and only CM drinkers in the negative mood condition reported increased relief expectancies.
Abstract: This study investigated whether exposure to musical mood induction procedures (MMIP) differentially increases the strength of specific alcohol expectancies for coping motivated (CM) versus enhancement motivated (EM) drinkers. Participants were 86 undergraduates who had elevated scores on either the CM or EM subscale of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire (M. L. Cooper, 1994). Participants were randomly assigned to either a positive or negative mood condition. The Alcohol Craving Questionnaire (E. G. Singleton, S. T. Tiffany, & J. E. Henningfield, 1994) was administered at baseline and after MMIP to assess phasic changes in alcohol expectancy strength. Consistent with hypotheses, only CM drinkers in the negative mood condition reported increased relief expectancies, and only EM drinkers in the positive mood condition reported increased reward expectancies. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. People who report a tendency to drink to regulate their emotions (positive or negative) are often heavy or problem drinkers (e.g., Cooper, 1994; Cooper, Frone, Russell, & Mudar, 1995). Cooper’s (1994) motivational model of drinking posits that people drink to obtain either positive or negative reinforcement that is meant to improve either their emotional (internal) or social (external) wellbeing. There are two types of internal motives for drinking: (a) coping motives (CM, drinking to alleviate negative emotions) and (b) enhancement motives (EM, drinking to enhance positive emotions). These internal motives for drinking are thought to be phenomenologically distinct, in part, because they are associated with unique drinking outcomes. Cross-sectional research has indicated that although both CM and EM are associated with frequent heavy drinking and with problem drinking, only CM predicts problem drinking directly after controlling for usual consumption levels (cf. Cooper, 1994). In any case, drinking for affect regulation is more problematic than drinking for affiliative reasons
TL;DR: It was concluded that Gray's model of impulsive sensation seeking and anxiety may provide a useful framework for examining the personality correlates of cue reactivity to different cues.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between personality traits implicated in the drinking literature (i.e., sensation seeking and anxiety) and reactivity to 2 different alcohol cues. The opportunity to consume alcohol was manipulated, and differences in urge and affective reactivity were assessed. Gray's (1987) model of impulsive sensation seeking and anxiety was adopted to investigate relationships between personality and responses to the appetitive (consumption) and aversive (no consumption, nonrewarding) alcohol cues in 40 regular social drinkers. The consumption cue produced increases in appetitive motivation and positive correlations with sensation-seeking traits. The no-consumption cue produced increases in aversive motivation and positive correlations with anxiety-related traits. It was concluded that Gray's model of impulsive sensation seeking and anxiety may provide a useful framework for examining the personality correlates of cue reactivity to different cues.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the information used by bettors, along with near-misses, reinforces their perception of expertise, and the so-called "skills" of the sportsbettors are cognitive distortions.
Abstract: Although skills are not considered relevant in chance-governed activities, only a few studies have assessed the extent to which sport expert skills in wagering are a manifestation of the illusion of control. This study examined (a) whether expert hockey bettors could make better predictions than chance, (b) whether expert hockey bettors could achieve greater monetary gains than chance, and (c) what kind of strategies hockey gamblers rely on when betting. Accordingly, 30 participants were asked to report their state lottery hockey bets on 6 occasions. We suggest that the information used by bettors, along with near-misses, reinforces their perception of expertise. The results of this experiment suggest that the so-called "skills" of the sports bettors are cognitive distortions.
TL;DR: Future research should use samples from a variety of affinity Web portals to further examine the factors that differentiate individuals who show no negative effects of OSA from those who do, and to identify broad behavior patterns manifested by men with OSP.
Abstract: A survey on the MSNBC Web site identified 384 men as having online sexual problems (OSP). Respondents' reasons for online sexual activity (OSA) and their preferred Internet medium were associated with several online and offline consequences and behaviors, including important aspects of real-time relationships and sexual experimentation. Two broad behavior patterns manifested by men with OSP were identified: Men who use the Internet (a) to further their real-time sex lives and (b) as a substitute for their real-time sex lives. Men who facilitate their offline sex lives with the Internet might do so for any number of reasons, many of which are adaptive (e.g., sex education, to purchase sexual materials). Future research should use samples from a variety of affinity Web portals to further examine the factors that differentiate individuals who show no negative effects of OSA from those who do.
TL;DR: A shortened, alternative version of the YAAPST is proposed, and a norm table is provided that allows for a linking of total YA APST scores to expected symptom expression, and certain items did not index problem severity consistently across demographic subgroups.
Abstract: The authors conducted Rasch model (G. Rasch, 1960) analyses of items from the Young Adult Alcohol Problems Screening Test (YAAPST; S. C. Hurlbut & K. J. Sher, 1992) to examine the relative severity and ordering of alcohol problems in 806 college students. Items appeared to measure a single dimension of alcohol problem severity, covering a broad range of the latent continuum. Items fit the Rasch model well, with less severe symptoms reliably preceding more severe symptoms in a potential progression toward increasing levels of problem severity. However, certain items did not index problem severity consistently across demographic subgroups. A shortened, alternative version of the YAAPST is proposed, and a norm table is provided that allows for a linking of total YAAPST scores to expected symptom expression.
TL;DR: A relationship motivation model was tested in which husbands' drinking before marriage is predictive of wives' drinking after marriage, and this influence was moderated by wives' dependence, relationship satisfaction, peer group size, and the belief that alcohol positively impacts relationships.
Abstract: Previous research indicates that husbands' drinking before marriage is predictive of wives' drinking after marriage. A relationship motivation model was tested in which this influence was moderated by wives' dependence, relationship satisfaction, peer group size, and the belief that alcohol positively impacts relationships. Newlyweds were assessed at the time of marriage and were reassessed at their 1st and 2nd anniversaries. Results supported a relationship motivation model. Husband-to-wife drinking influence was moderated by wives' interpersonal dependence, number of peers, and positive relationship alcohol expectancies. The direction of the spousal influence changed in the 2nd year of marriage, with wives' drinking over the 1st year predicting husbands' drinking in the 2nd. Implications with respect to marriage and the drinking partnership are discussed.
TL;DR: One hundred eighty-eight drug-abusing and conduct-disordered adolescents and their parents provided retrospective reports of the youths' frequency of alcohol and illicit drug use for each of the 6 months preceding their initial session in an outpatient treatment program.
Abstract: One hundred eighty-eight drug-abusing and conduct-disordered adolescents and their parents provided retrospective reports of the youths' frequency of alcohol and illicit drug use for each of the 6 months preceding their initial session in an outpatient treatment program. Youths' and parent reports of youths' drug and alcohol use for each month were similar. For marijuana and alcohol, frequency reports were related for each month, whereas hard drug reports were related only for the 4 months preceding intake. Relationships among alcohol and hard drug reports were strong during Months 1, 2, and 4 preceding intake, whereas strength of relationship among marijuana reports was similar throughout the 6 months.