Construct validity evidence for the interpretation of drinking restraint as a response conflict

Abstract

A style of control over alcohol consumption, termed restrained drinking, has been identified as an important predictor of drinking behavior and a possible risk factor for more serious alcohol problems. This control style is hypothesized to involve a cyclical pattern of drinking in which the specific phase (restraint or binging) depends on the balance between opposing response tendencies. A survey study of 429 college students supported the important predictions that restrained drinkers experience more response conflict, as evidenced by stronger impulses to drink (cravings and preoccupation with alcohol) as well as stronger inhibitions against drinking (social commitment to drinking goals, self-esteem threat of excessive consumption, and negative expectancies) compared to unrestrained drinkers. Restrained drinkers additionally reported more cyclical and extreme patterns of drinking, more reduction of alcohol consumption below preferred levels, and more costs of drinking reduction compared to unrestrained drinkers. This pattern of results occurred after controlling for habitual levels of alcohol consumption. These findings support important theoretical predictions concerning a restrained drinking style and provide further evidence of its importance in the early identification of the development of alcohol problems.