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. 2018 Mar:78:1-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.10.020. Epub 2017 Oct 27.

The role of distress tolerance in the relationship between cognitive schemas and alcohol problems among college students

Raluca M Simons  1 , Rebecca E Sistad  2 , Jeffrey S Simons  2 , Jamie Hansen  2
Affiliations

The role of distress tolerance in the relationship between cognitive schemas and alcohol problems among college students

Raluca M Simons et al. Addict Behav. 2018 Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: The current study tested the role of distress tolerance in the relationship between three early maladaptive cognitive schemas (Abandonment, Defectiveness/Shame, and Insufficient Self-Control) and alcohol problems among college students (N=364). Previous research suggests that maladaptive cognitive schemas may be a risk factor for alcohol-related problems. However, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. One's tolerance for emotional distress may play an important role in understanding the nature of this association.

Methods: We tested a structural equation model where distress tolerance was expected to explain or moderate associations between early maladaptive schemas and alcohol outcomes.

Results: Results indicated distress tolerance partially mediated the relationships between schemas of Abandonment and Insufficient Self-Control and alcohol problems. Distress tolerance also significantly moderated the relationship between the Defectiveness/Shame schema and alcohol-related problems, reducing the strength of the association.

Conclusions: Distress tolerance is a modifiable risk factor and the results of this study support the inclusion of emotional regulation strategies in the prevention and treatment of alcohol problems among young adults.

Keywords: Alcohol; Cognitive schemas; College students; Distress tolerance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Structural model (N = 364). The solid dot represents the latent interaction effect. The schemas and latent constructs are standardized and hence the coefficients represent standardized effects. Standard errors are in parenthesis. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Association between the Defectiveness/Shame schema and alcohol problems as a function of distress tolerance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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