Behavioural Inhibition, a Risk and Protective Factor for University Drinking: Examining the Role of Emotional Distress, Coping, and Cognitive Processes

University student heavy drinking is an important public health concern. To develop better preventions, we need to understand what brings some young people to drink heavily. Research suggests that those who expect positive effects from drinking (e.g., relaxation) are more likely to misuse alcohol. Personality characteristics may influence these beliefs about alcohol. One personality type that may relate to alcohol use is characterized by the strong desire to avoid potential aversive outcomes (e.g., avoid socializing for fear of embarrassment). However, research findings are mixed. Those with this personality type should be protected from using alcohol, given their concerns about aversive outcomes (e.g., hangover). However, their concerns with potential aversive outcomes may contribute to high distress and a desire to drink to relieve distress. Distress, and the ability to cope with it, may be crucial determinants of alcohol risk for this personality type. This study will clarify how this personality type relates to drinking. Those with a strong desire to avoid aversive outcomes who also have poor coping skills, should report more positive alcohol beliefs and drink more when distressed. Conversely, those characterized by this same personality type who have good coping skills, should report less favourable alcohol beliefs and drink much less whether or not they are distressed. Participants will be 300 undergraduates (half with this personality type). Music will be used to induce a distressed or positive mood. Participants will indicate alcohol beliefs and have the opportunity to consume alcohol. These findings have implications for university-focused preventions. Specifically, they may highlight the need to consider students who appear more inhibited and reserved as one group potentially at risk for heavy drinking. Findings also may highlight the importance for a focus on specific types of alcohol beliefs as well as on skills training for more effective coping skills.