Restrained Drinking: Personality Correlates of a Control Style

Abstract
A particular problematic style of social-drinking control, characterized by considerable effortful restraint alternating with overconsumption, provides a promising model for prevention efforts. The relationship between effortful consummatory restraint (including both eating and drinking restraint) and several personality-level measures of impulsiveness/self-control was examined. One hundred thirty-two college students completed Drinking Restraint and Eating Restraint scales along with the four-factor Impulsiveness Scale (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1977) and three MMPI scales which measure aspects of self-control (Ego Control, Overcontrolled Hostility, and MacAndrew Alcoholism scales). Consummatory restrainers scored high on three impulsiveness dimensions (narrow impulsiveness, non-planning and liveliness). Restrained drinkers, compared to restrained eaters, scored marginally higher on over-controlled hostility, propensity toward alcoholism, and two impulsiveness dimensions (risk-taking and liveliness). Implications of the restraint model for prevention efforts are discussed.

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