Affectivity, Family Drinking History, and the Development of Problem Drinking: A Longitudinal Analysis1

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Abstract
This study examined the longitudinal relationships among two central constructs of affectivity–family history of alcoholism, and alcohol use and use‐related problems. Data used in this study were obtained from a nonclinical sample interviewed originally when subjects were 12, 15, or 18 years of age, and followed up twice more at three‐year intervals. The results of this study indicate a strong role for negative affect and arousability as dimensions of affectivity in modulating alcohol‐related consequences. Individuals who display consistently heightened arousability and negative affect, particularly in combination, appear to display the greatest use intensity over longer time intervals. Conversely, the fact that combined persistently low arousability and negative affect were consistently related to lower use intensity and fewer consequences suggests a possible role for lowered levels of these dimensions as a protective factor against transition to problematic outcomes. Arousability appears to be most strongly related to use intensity, while family drinking history status and negative affect were found to be significant contributors to problems.