Basic personality dimensions and alcohol consumption in young adults

Abstract

Basic personality dimensions are relevant factors in the development of alcohol consumption. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the associations among some of the most important biodispositional models of personality, and to explore its role in the non-pathological alcohol consumption in young adults. In this study, the personality of 539 college students (283 women) was assessed using four questionnaires: EPQ-RS, SPSRQ-S, NEO-FFI, and TCI. Alcohol consumption was assessed with the AIS scale. Factor analyses of the different scales showed four broad factors labelled Negative Emotionality, Disagreeable Disinhibition, Unconscientious Disinhibition, and Positive Emotionality. The openness to experience scale was not well represented in the factor solution and was excluded from the factor analysis. This dimension was studied independently in relation to alcohol use. Disagreeable Disinhibition predicted alcohol consumption both during the week and at the weekend, whereas Unconscientious Disinhibition was associated with non-pathological alcohol drinking at weekends. These results were interpreted according to processes associated with impulsivity that facilitate alcohol use in young adults. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.