Citation

Capone C, Wood MD. Psychol. Addict. Behav. 2009; 23(4): 684-688.

Affiliation

Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0016235

PMID

20025374

PMCID

PMC2834212

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the efficacy of brief motivational interventions (BMI) and alcohol expectancy challenge (AEC) in reducing alcohol use and/or problems among college students. However, little is known about variables that may qualify the effectiveness of these approaches. The present analyses tested the hypothesis that need for cognition (NFC), impulsivity/sensation seeking (IMPSS) and readiness to change (RTC) would moderate the effects of BMI and AEC. Participants (N = 335) were heavy drinking college students enrolled in a randomized 2 x 2 factorial study of BMI and AEC. Latent growth curve analyses indicated significant interactions for BMI x NFC and AEC x RTC on alcohol use but not problems. Simple slopes analyses were used to probe these relationships and revealed that higher levels of NFC at baseline were associated with a stronger BMI effect on drinking outcomes over time. Similarly, higher levels of baseline RTC were associated with stronger AEC effects on alcohol use. Future preventive interventions with this population may profit by considering individual differences and targeting approaches accordingly.

Language: en